The 10 Largest U.S. Data Center Metro Areas by Power Capacity in 2025
by King White, on Sep 10, 2025 7:00:00 AM
As demand for AI, cloud computing, IoT, and digital services surges, data center power consumption is reaching unprecedented heights. In the U.S., metro regions are emerging as energy-intensive powerhouses that rival entire cities. This blog highlights the top 10 U.S. metropolitan data center markets of 2025—ranked by commissioned or projected power capacity in megawatts (MW)—and underscores how strategic site selection, infrastructure planning, and energy readiness are essential competitive differentiators.
The 10 largest U.S. Data Center Metro Areas by Power Capacity in 2025
1. Northern Virginia: ~3,945 MW commissioned multitenant power (largest in the U.S.). Other studies project ~4,140 MW needed based on late 2024 audits.
2. Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW): ~1,125 MW currently; expected to reach ~4,396 MW.
3. Phoenix: ~1,380 MW commissioned; projected to reach ~5,340 MW in the future.
4. Atlanta: ~1,065 MW; projected to grow to ~3,125 MW.
5. Chicago: ~805 MW.
6. Silicon Valley/Northern California: Large-scale presence with ~150 data center facilities.
7. New York Tri-State: Over 130 facilities; major latency-sensitive market.
8. Las Vegas/Reno: Significant projected growth with strong development pipelines.
9. Portland/Hillsboro: Hillsboro is a major hub in the Pacific Northwest.
10. Austin/San Antonio: Rapidly growing market with over 463 MW under construction.
Why These Markets Lead the Charge
Power Infrastructure and Reliability: Northern Virginia’s grid supports multi-gigawatt capacity for hyperscalers. Phoenix and DFW offer competitive energy costs and robust infrastructure.
- Connectivity and Fiber: Silicon Valley, New York Tri-State, Chicago, and Northern Virginia are key interconnection hubs.
- Growth Trajectory: Phoenix, DFW, Atlanta, and Las Vegas/Reno show the highest projected MW growth.
- Strategic Scale: Hillsboro, Oregon’s renewable-rich capacity and Austin, Texas’ AI-driven builds stand out.
Closing: Where Site Selection Meets Strategic Power Planning
Identifying and securing optimal data center locations isn’t just about real estate—it’s about power, connectivity, scalability, and utility alignment. With the rapid evolution of AI and hyperscale demand, markets with ready infrastructure and growth foresight—like those listed above—offer unparalleled value.
That’s where Site Selection Group comes in. Our expertise spans analyzing city-scale energy capacity, sourcing utility partners, and navigating permitting and incentives. We help clients not just find a site—but power the future of their operations.
