SAN JOSE — Santa Clara County has the second-most data centers among all counties in the nation and is seeing the fastest growth of the controversial facilities in the past year, according to a new report.
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An estimated 1,474 data centers were operating in the U.S. during the first half of 2026, a survey by the National Association of Realtors shows. Of those, 75 are in Santa Clara County, exceeded only by the 213 data centers in Loudoun County, Virginia.
From 2025 to 2026, among the five counties with the most data centers nationwide, Santa Clara County posted the fastest rate of growth, as San Jose sees a growing number of proposals for new sites.
Over the one-year period, data center totals rose 23% in the county. That’s compared to rises of 16.7% in Maricopa County, Arizona; 8.6% in Prince William County, Virginia; 7% in Loudoun County, Virginia; and 2.6% in Grand County, Washington.
The real estate group also surveyed members on what impacts data centers might have on a local economy, including effects on home prices and utility bills.
The results were inconclusive.
“There is no single data center effect,” National Association of Realtors chief economist Lawrence Yun said. “The story varies significantly depending on the local market. The number of data centers alone does not tell us what will happen to home values, jobs, or utility costs.”
Clients of real estate agents were particularly concerned about power and water costs, the survey found.
About 61% said clients were worried about energy prices, and 56% said clients were concerned about water usage. About 43% reported fears of environmental contamination.
Counties with more data centers tend to have higher home values, the survey found. The median home value increases from about $174,500 in counties without a data center to $431,750 in counties with 10 or more facilities.
Santa Clara County already has one of the nation’s highest median home prices – $2.05 million as of mid-2026.
“Counties with more data centers also tend to have higher incomes, younger populations, and more college-educated residents,” the report stated. “All these factors are also associated with stronger housing demand.”
An estimated 25% of surveyed agents said clients experienced a positive effect on home values in their areas, while 22% saw a negative impact.
About 50% of agents reported increased property values for commercial real estate sites near data centers, while 42% reported rising demand for commercial spaces near data centers, particularly industrial properties and land.
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