DES MOINES, Iowa (March 12, 2026) — The Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) today released a new study, Economic Impact Study of Data Centers in Iowa, prepared by an independent research firm to provide Iowa-specific economic context on data center operations and their contributions to jobs, income, and statewide economic activity.

As demand for digital infrastructure grows alongside continued technology adoption across industries, data center development has become a frequent topic in statewide conversations around infrastructure planning, workforce needs, and long-term competitiveness. The study is intended to support informed dialogue by grounding discussion in Iowa-specific data and outcomes.

The report estimates that current data center operations in Iowa support 9,139 jobs annually, generate $828 million in labor income, contribute $1.6 billion in value added, and drive $3 billion in total output each year. The analysis also highlights significant ripple effects across the economy, estimating that for every direct data center job, additional jobs are supported across other sectors statewide.

“Data centers are becoming a bigger part of Iowa’s economic conversation, and it’s important that the discussion is grounded in Iowa-specific data and facts,” said Brian Waller, President of the Technology Association of Iowa. “This study provides a clear snapshot of the economic contributions and statewide impact tied to data center operations, so leaders and stakeholders can engage with shared context as questions and decisions continue to evolve.”

The report includes additional findings related to statewide economic impacts and trend comparisons intended to help frame the broader context of data center growth in Iowa.

The full study is available for download below: