> On average, Yue and Zeng found that when a data center opens, the host county sees a measurable lift. Over the first three years after activation, employment rises by about 0.9%, wages by 1.1%, business establishments by 1.0%, and household income by 0.7%. Over time, the overall impact becomes larger, reaching 3.5%, 5.0%, 4.7%, and 1.9%, respectively. Building permits also increase sharply, reflecting construction activity tied to new facilities.