Services
Data Center Impact Analysis
Specialized economic and fiscal analysis for data center development and investment — covering jobs, GDP, tax revenues, energy demand, water use, incentives, and regional supply-chain activity.
Why Data Centers Require Specialized Analysis
Data centers are among the most capital-intensive investments in the modern economy. A single hyperscale facility can represent hundreds of millions — or billions — of dollars in capital expenditure, substantial ongoing power demand, and significant tax and incentive implications for state and local governments.
Yet data centers are also unusual: they can generate very large economic and fiscal footprints while employing relatively modest numbers of workers once operational. A standard economic impact study that focuses primarily on job counts will miss most of the story.
SRC EvalMetrics has conducted landmark data center impact research in Ohio, including a statewide study for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Research Foundation that became a credible foundation for legislative discussions on sales tax exemptions. Our work goes beyond jobs to examine the full package of economic, fiscal, infrastructure, and community tradeoffs.
We serve data center developers, industry associations, chambers of commerce, state agencies, and policy stakeholders who need analysis that is rigorous, publicly defensible, and ready for legislative or regulatory use.
What the Analysis Covers
Construction & Operations Impacts
Jobs, labor income, GDP, and output during both the construction phase and ongoing operations.
State & Local Tax Revenue
Property taxes, sales taxes, income taxes, and other public revenues generated by the investment.
Incentives & Abatements
Cost-benefit evaluation of sales tax exemptions, property tax abatements, and other incentive structures.
Energy Demand & Grid Infrastructure
Power load requirements, transmission and generation needs, and grid investment implications.
Water Use & Cooling
Water consumption, cooling technology tradeoffs, and water infrastructure requirements.
Supply-Chain Activity
Regional vendor spending, procurement patterns, and local economic linkages.
Land Use & Opportunity Cost
Site considerations, alternative uses, and long-term land value effects.
Regional Competitiveness
Ohio's position in the national data center market and long-term economic development implications.
Recent Work
Economic Impact of Data Centers in Ohio
Client: Ohio Chamber of Commerce Research Foundation · 2024
A landmark statewide study assessing the full economic footprint of Ohio's data center industry — among the most comprehensive analyses of its kind in the nation. The study measured jobs, labor income, GDP, tax impacts, energy demand, water infrastructure, environmental considerations, and community effects. It served as a credible, research-driven foundation for policy discussions on Ohio's role as America's Silicon Heartland.
View Full Report"SRC EvalMetrics is a premier partner for the Ohio Chamber's most critical research initiatives. Their work on our Data Center Economic Impact Report was instrumental; the clarity and depth of their analysis led directly to a pivotal shift in legislative positions regarding sales tax exemptions."
Demetrius Thomas
Executive Director · Ohio Chamber of Commerce Research Foundation
Planning a Data Center Project?
Contact us to discuss the scope, geography, and deliverables for your data center impact study.