Brightlio Blog

Every time we stream a movie, scroll through social media, or back up files to the cloud, we’re tapping into the power of massive data centers. But those facilities don’t just pop up randomly—they’re clustered in key locations across the U.S. where power, space, and connectivity come together.

In this post we’re diving into the 10 biggest data center locations in the United States as of March 2025. These are the regions that host sprawling campuses of servers, operated by some of the world’s biggest tech and infrastructure companies. We’ll break down where they are, why they matter, and who’s leading the charge in each one.

If you’ve ever wondered where “the cloud” actually lives, this is your behind-the-scenes look.

Overview of US Data Centers

The United States is home to a vast and growing data center industry, with numerous primary data center markets and a wide range of data center services available. As a result, the country’s data center infrastructure is designed to support the increasing demand for data storage and processing, driven by the growth of cloud computing, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

1. Northern Virginia: America’s Data Center Capital

Northern Virginia leads the U.S. data center industry with over 300 facilities in Loudoun, Prince William, and Fairfax counties. Specifically, with 3,945 megawatts of commissioned multi-tenant power, it’s five times larger than Dallas and projected to become the world’s first two-gigawatt data center hub.

Notably, Loudoun County, especially Ashburn and Sterling, anchors the region, while Prince William and Fairfax counties include critical areas like Manassas and Reston. Together with these counties, they form America’s largest data center market.

A Global Connectivity Powerhouse

Given its strategic location, Northern Virginia sits near Washington, D.C., providing access to major transoceanic fiber cable systems, including MAREA and BRUSA. Moreover, proximity to Virginia Beach’s subsea cable landing stations further enhances connectivity. For instance, Equinix’s DC2 facility in Ashburn serves as a critical interconnection point for carriers and cloud service providers.

Cost-Effective and Reliable Power Supply

Dominion Energy and NOVEC supply commercial electricity at competitive rates of $0.06 to $0.08 per kWh, among the lowest in the Mid-Atlantic. In addition, Loudoun County offers economic incentives, including a 6% sales and use tax exemption on data center equipment, driving continued industry growth.

Home to Leading Operators

Major operators in the region include:

• Digital Realty – Runs several facilities supporting global data needs.
• Equinix – Offers extensive interconnection services across its centers.
• QTS Realty Trust – Provides large-scale colocation and cloud services.
• CoreSite – Operates carrier-neutral centers under American Tower.
• AWS, Google, and Microsoft – Each maintain major cloud infrastructure in the area.

Secure and Resilient Infrastructure

From a security standpoint, Northern Virginia’s strategic inland positioning minimizes hurricane-related disruptions. For example, facilities like AWS’s Northern Virginia Computing Facility reinforce the region’s stability and security.

As a result, Northern Virginia’s scale, connectivity, reliable power, and business-friendly environment make it the nation’s top data center market. With rapid expansion, it remains a critical force in the global digital economy.

2. Phoenix: A Leading Alternative for Data Centers

The Phoenix metropolitan area, encompassing Phoenix, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Goodyear, and Glendale, ranks as the second-largest data center market in the United States, experiencing rapid data center expansion. With more than 100 data centers providing 1,380 megawatts of multi-tenant commissioned power, Phoenix is a rapidly expanding hub for data center operations.

Attractive Power Costs & Sustainability

Meanwhile, Arizona Public Service (APS) primarily supplies power to the region, with additional support from Salt River Project (SRP). Significantly, the area boasts highly competitive electricity rates, averaging between $0.065 to $0.075 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), making it an appealing option for cost-conscious businesses.. Furthermore, Phoenix’s power grid is reliable, and providers actively support sustainability through access to renewable energy sources.

Connectivity & Strategic Location

Digital Realty operates a major connectivity hub at 120 East Van Buren Street in downtown Phoenix, further strengthening the region’s fiber and cable network. Moreover, this strategic location has minimal exposure to natural disasters, making it a safer alternative to riskier West Coast sites.

Economic Advantages & Infrastructure

Phoenix provides businesses with substantial economic advantages, including lower taxes, affordable real estate, and low operating costs. The metro area’s favorable business environment has attracted major data center operators and significant investment, bolstering its competitive edge.

Key Data Center Operators

hoenix, Arizona, has become a major U.S. data center hub, thanks to its strategic location, low operational costs, tax incentives, and strong infrastructure.

Key operators in the region include:

• Digital Realty – Offers retail and wholesale colocation solutions.
• phoenixNAP – Headquartered in Phoenix, with a major interconnectivity hub and cloud access.
• CyrusOne – Serves large enterprises and cloud providers.
• Iron Mountain – Runs multiple facilities east of downtown, with a third under development.
• Flexential – Supports small businesses with colocation and IT services.
• Comarch – Opened in 2024, offers Tier III-standard hosting and disaster recovery.
• Prime Data Centers – Operates a five-facility hyperscale campus powered by 100% renewable energy.

3. Silicon Valley: Hub of Innovation and Connectivity

Silicon Valley remains a major data center market despite high real estate and power costs. Home to tech giants like Google, IBM, Microsoft, Sony, and Amazon, the region hosts nearly 150 data center facilities, making it a critical digital infrastructure hub.

Premier Connectivity and Infrastructure

With direct onramps to major cloud providers, multiple internet exchange points (IXPs), and high-capacity fiber networks, Silicon Valley is one of the most interconnected regions on the West Coast.

Leading Data Center Operators

Silicon Valley, the heart of tech innovation, is home to key players that support its powerful data infrastructure.

Notable companies include:

• Equinix – Operates multiple interconnection and colocation facilities in Palo Alto, San José, and Sunnyvale.
• CoreSite – Offers carrier-neutral colocation and peering services for enterprises and cloud providers.
• Cupertino Electric – Specializes in building data centers for major tech companies across the region.
• Supermicro – Provides high-performance servers and storage systems used widely in data centers.
• Broadcom – Supplies essential networking and storage hardware that powers modern data operations.

Innovation and Skilled Workforce

Silicon Valley’s access to top IT talent and cutting-edge energy solutions keeps it competitive despite high costs. The region remains a prime location for global companies seeking high-performance data infrastructure.

With strong connectivity, industry-leading operators, and a highly skilled workforce, Silicon Valley continues to be a major force in the global data center market.

4. Dallas: Central Connectivity & Economic Efficiency

​Dallas, Texas, along with its neighboring suburbs such as Allen, Carrollton, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Irving, Lewisville, Plano, and Richardson, has emerged as a pivotal data center hub strategically located between Northern Virginia and Silicon Valley.

The Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex boasts a rapidly expanding data center market, with capacity growing from 710 megawatts (MW) in 2020 to nearly 1,650 MW by mid-2024, marking a 200% increase. This growth underscores the region’s significance in the national data center landscape.​

Cost-Efficient Power Supply

Managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), Dallas benefits from an independent power grid supplying nearly 90% of Texas’s electricity. As a result, power rates remain highly competitive, averaging $0.05 to $0.065 per kWh.

Strategic Connectivity Hub

Equinix operates a major connectivity hub at the Infomart carrier hotel, enhancing metro and long-haul connections through DA1, DA2, DA3, and DA6. Situated at 1950 North Stemmons Freeway in downtown Dallas, it serves as a critical component of the region’s network infrastructure.

Key Data Center Operators

Dallas has established itself as a key data center market, supported by a strong mix of colocation, cloud, and hyperscale infrastructure.

Leading operators include:

• CyrusOne – Known for highly secure, enterprise-grade data centers with strong uptime and innovation.
• DataBank – Offers scalable colocation and cloud hosting tailored for business agility.
• Cologix – Operates out of the Infomart with direct cloud access and a core Meet-Me-Room.
• Flexential – Delivers high-speed connectivity and disaster recovery with a 100% power uptime SLA.
• Zayo Group – Provides the fiber backbone supporting much of the region’s data traffic.
• Compass Datacenters – Builds hyperscale campuses with national reach, headquartered in Dallas.
• QTS Realty Trust – Supports diverse industries with scalable, carrier-neutral solutions.

5. Chicago: Central Connectivity and Strategic Location

Chicago serves as a vital central hub for data center operations in the United States, strategically positioned between East and West Coast markets. The region, including Chicago and surrounding suburbs such as Elk Grove Village, Franklin Park, and Aurora, hosts around 130 data center facilities.

With approximately 1,120 megawatts of multi-tenant commissioned power, Chicago stands out as one of the largest and most significant data center markets in the U.S.

Connectivity & Infrastructure

Chicago is renowned for its exceptional connectivity, hosting multiple Internet exchange points (IXPs) and serving as a key intersection for long-haul fiber routes. For instance, 350 East Cermak Road, one of North America’s largest carrier hotels, operates as a major connectivity hub under Digital Realty.

Power and Economic Advantages

ComEd (Commonwealth Edison) provides a stable and reliable power supply with competitive electricity rates averaging $0.06 to $0.07 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Additionally, the area benefits from tax incentives, affordable real estate, and proximity to major financial and business operations.

Key Data Center Operators

Chicago plays a key role in enterprise infrastructure, supported by several distinctive operators in the region.

• Rackspace Technology – Runs a 70,000+ sq. ft. facility in Elk Grove Village, staffed 24/7 for consistent uptime and support.
• ServerCentral Turing Group (SCTG) – A local provider offering managed colocation, network services, and cloud hosting with a strong footprint in downtown Chicago.
• Cyxtera – Operates enterprise-grade data centers in the area with secure colocation and hybrid IT solutions.
• Lumen Technologies – Offers edge computing and data center services across several locations in the Chicago metro area.
• Element Critical – Manages a high-density data center in the West Loop, serving financial and healthcare industries.

These operators give Chicago a unique edge, supporting specialized business and industry needs across the Midwest.

6. Atlanta: Growing Hub with Economic and Connectivity Advantages

Atlanta is now the fourth-largest data center market in the U.S., with over 80 facilities and 1,065 MW of power across the metro and suburbs. The hub at 56 Marietta Street (ATL13) anchors the region’s connectivity, housing hundreds of carriers in a 10-story downtown facility.

In 2024, Atlanta led the nation in growth, adding 705.8 MW of capacity. That rapid expansion triggered new city regulations to address land use and community concerns. Even with pushback, Atlanta’s location, fiber access, and power capacity keep it a top choice for data center development.

Economic Advantages

Atlanta’s strong regional economy, coupled with competitive energy costs and low natural disaster risk, makes it highly attractive for businesses. In addition, the region boasts excellent transportation infrastructure and a highly reliable power grid, primarily managed by Georgia Power, with electricity rates ranging from $0.05 to $0.06 per kWh. The city also boasts access to a skilled workforce, further enhancing its appeal as a data center location.

Key Data Center Operators

Atlanta is gaining momentum as a regional tech and infrastructure hub, supported by several distinct data center operators.

• Switch, Inc. – Developing a massive 1M+ sq. ft. data center campus, bringing hyperscale capacity to the region.
• Cyxtera Technologies – Delivers colocation and interconnection services tailored for enterprise and hybrid IT environments.
• Sungard Availability Services – Specializes in disaster recovery and business continuity through its data center and cloud services.
• DC Blox – Operates a local facility as part of its Southeastern data center network, offering strong regional interconnectivity.
• H5 Data Centers – Provides scalable wholesale and colocation services from its Atlanta facility.

7. Washington, D.C.: An Interconnected Data Center Hotspot

Washington, D.C. has nearly 100 data centers and is one of the most interconnected regions in the U.S. Despite high operational costs, businesses choose it for its extensive fiber network and strong networking opportunities. The region provides low-latency connectivity to government agencies and major global organizations, making it ideal for those needing secure and reliable communication links.

Washington State: Rapid Growth and Emerging Challenges

Washington State has also become an essential hub for data centers, notably hosting Microsoft’s Columbia Data Center in Quincy, previously the largest data center globally. The explosive growth of the data center industry in Washington State has significantly impacted the local economy and environment:

• Economic Growth: Employment in the data center sector has doubled since 2018, demonstrating rapid industry expansion and significant job creation.
• Energy and Environmental Concerns: Increased energy demands from data centers pose challenges to the state’s commitment to achieving a carbon-free power grid. Recognizing this tension, Washington’s governor has commissioned a detailed study to evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of the data center industry’s expansion.

Washington, both D.C. and State, remains vital to the U.S. data center landscape, balancing strategic connectivity advantages with evolving environmental and economic considerations.

8. New York Tri-State Area: A Strategic Hub for Data Centers

The New York Tri-State area—covering New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut—hosts over 130 data centers, driven largely by demand from the financial sector.

Despite 105.4 MW under construction, space is tight, with vacancy at just 6.5% and rental rates steady at $140–$180 per kW/month.

Rising energy use, especially from AI workloads, has sparked legislative efforts like the proposed Sustainable Data Centers Act, aiming to enforce renewable energy use and annual reporting.

Even with space and energy challenges, the region remains a critical hub for low-latency, high-performance data infrastructure.

Strategic Advantages and Connectivity

The region offers proximity to NYC at lower costs, with more space and expansion opportunities than Manhattan. It provides direct access to transatlantic cabling and high-speed fiber networks, ensuring fast, reliable global connections. The low risk of natural disasters further strengthens operational reliability.

Market Composition and Capacity

Comprising key cities like Orangeburg, Piscataway, and Secaucus, the New York and New Jersey region ranks as the eighth-largest data center market in the United States. It currently hosts over 145 data centers with more than 450 megawatts of commissioned multi-tenant power.

Power Supply and Competitive Rates

Electricity is primarily provided by Consolidated Edison (ConEd) in New York, while Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) and Jersey Central Power & Light (FirstEnergy) supply New Jersey. As expected, power costs vary by location:

• New York: approximately $0.14 to $0.16 per kWh.
• New Jersey: approximately $0.10 to $0.12 per kWh.

Connectivity Hubs

The region’s critical connectivity hubs include Digital Realty’s prominent facilities at 60 Hudson Street and 111 8th Avenue in Manhattan. Equinix operates major connectivity points at 755 and 800 Secaucus Road in New Jersey (sites NY2, NY4, NY5, and NY6), significantly bolstering the area’s connectivity infrastructure.

Major Data Center Operators

New York City plays a central role in global data infrastructure, supported by a few standout providers unique to the region.

• Telehouse America – Operates facilities in Manhattan and Staten Island, and manages NYIIX, one of the largest internet exchanges in the region.
• Sabey Data Centers – Runs SDC Manhattan at 375 Pearl Street, offering over a million square feet of secure, purpose-built space.

These operators help solidify NYC’s reputation as a key hub for interconnection, financial services, and media infrastructure.

9. Miami: A Strategic Gateway for Global Data Centers

Miami is a key global data hub, connecting the U.S. with Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. At the center is Equinix’s NAP of the Americas, a 750,000 sq. ft. facility hosting 160+ carriers and handling traffic for over 150 countries. Built for resilience, it’s a main entry point for subsea cables like ARCOS-1.

With strong logistics via PortMiami and MIA, plus business perks like low taxes and foreign trade zones, Miami attracts tech and finance firms looking for fast, reliable international connectivity.

Connectivity and Global Market Access

Miami provides secure, ultra-low-latency connections crucial for global businesses. In particular, its infrastructure includes the ARCOS-1 Cable Landing Station, which enables direct, efficient links to Mexico and Latin America. For this reason, Miami continues to reinforce its role as an international connectivity hub.

Robust Transportation and Infrastructure

The city’s robust transportation network, anchored by Port Miami and Miami International Airport (MIA), significantly supports efficient logistics and the smooth operation of supply chains. This integrated infrastructure ensures businesses benefit from rapid and reliable movement of equipment, goods, and personnel.

Economic and Financial Advantages

Miami provides substantial economic incentives that appeal to data center operators and multinational corporations, including:

• No inventory or unitary taxes.
• Relatively low state corporate income tax rates.
• Four strategically located foreign trade zones (FTZ).
• Competitive energy costs, enhancing cost-efficiency for large-scale operations.

Industry Attraction and Enterprise Presence

Miami’s advantageous business climate has attracted significant investment from major enterprises, particularly within the technology and financial services sectors. Its strategic position, coupled with economic benefits and global connectivity, positions Miami as an ideal location for companies aiming to strengthen their international presence and operational efficiency

10. Los Angeles: A Key West Coast Data Center Market

Los Angeles, along with Burbank, El Segundo, and Irvine, is the tenth-largest data center market in the U.S. As a global hub for entertainment, manufacturing, and international trade, it holds a strategic position for data center operations.

Data Center Characteristics and Power Infrastructure

The Los Angeles metropolitan area hosts over 65 data centers, collectively providing more than 220 megawatts of commissioned multi-tenant power. Electricity is primarily supplied by Southern California Edison (SCE), with average rates ranging from $0.14 to $0.18 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

Connectivity: One Wilshire as a Critical Hub

Los Angeles hosts one of the nation’s most critical connectivity centers: One Wilshire at 624 South Grand Avenue, operated by CoreSite (LA1 site). In fact, One Wilshire is among the most interconnected buildings in the United States, offering unparalleled access to major domestic and international networks.

Key Data Center Operators

Los Angeles is a key gateway for global data traffic, especially between North America and the Asia-Pacific region.

Unique operators in the area include:

• Telehouse America – Runs the 626W facility, home to the LAIIX, serving as a major peering point for transpacific traffic.
• One Wilshire – A landmark telecom hub that hosts numerous data centers and major international fiber routes.
• Leaseweb – Offers dedicated servers, cloud solutions, and colocation, with strong global reach from its LA facility.

These providers help position Los Angeles as a vital link in international data exchange and digital services.

Market Dynamics and Challenges

Los Angeles faces high operating expenses and real estate costs, pushing some businesses to consider other locations. However, its large and growing population keeps demand for data centers strong. While new developments are limited by costs and space, existing facilities continue to thrive and meet regional needs.

What is the Largest Data Center in the United States?

​The largest data center in the United States is the Switch TAHOE RENO 1 facility, located within the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center (TRIC) in Nevada. This expansive data center spans over 1.3 million square feet and is part of Switch’s Citadel Campus, which is projected to exceed 7.2 million square feet upon completion.

How Many Data Centers are in the United States?

There are over 2,500 data centers in the United States, with the majority located in primary data center markets such as Northern Virginia, Silicon Valley, and Dallas. The number of data centers in the US is expected to continue growing as demand for data storage and processing increases.

5 Largest Data Center Operators in the US

The US hosts some of the world’s most advanced data centers, powering enterprises, cloud providers, and financial institutions. Here are some of the largest and most strategic ones.

1. Equinix DA1 Data Center (Ashburn, Virginia)

Equinix DA1, located in the heart of Ashburn’s tech corridor, is one of America’s largest and most critical data centers. With 147,600 square feet of dedicated facility space and proximity to Washington, D.C., it hosts a vast ecosystem of 290+ network connections and over 450 enterprises.

Its robust infrastructure, including N+1 redundancy in power and cooling, guarantees 99.999% uptime. This facility is particularly known for its expansive connectivity options, serving as a central hub for businesses needing seamless cloud integration, making it indispensable for tech giants and government agencies alike.

2. Equinix NY4 Data Center (Secaucus, New Jersey)

Equinix NY4, located in Secaucus, is vital for financial institutions, particularly hedge funds and high-frequency trading platforms. With 151,772 square feet of data center space and 18.5 MW of critical power, this center provides ultra-low-latency connections to the New York Stock Exchange and major financial markets.

The data center’s ecosystem includes over 91 ISPs, telecom carriers, and networks such as AT&T, Verizon, and CenturyLink. Its comprehensive certifications (FISMA, SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, PCI-DSS) further highlight its secure environment, making it the leading choice for finance-driven enterprises.

3. CoreSite LA1 Data Center (Los Angeles, California)

CoreSite LA1 is an iconic facility inside Los Angeles’s renowned One Wilshire building, a cornerstone for global interconnection. With 149,000 square feet and 15 MW of power, LA1 provides direct access to over 300 global networks, delivering exceptional connectivity to the Asia-Pacific markets.

CoreSite LA1’s direct fiber links to adjacent CoreSite locations (LA2, LA3, LA4) offer enterprises scalability and flexibility to meet rapid growth demands.

4. Equinix MI1 Data Center (Miami, Florida)

Equinix MI1 in Miami is undeniably a crucial gateway to Latin America, featuring 750,000 square feet of secure data center space explicitly designed to withstand Category 5 hurricanes. What’s more, it offers unmatched access to Latin America’s expanding market.

Given these points, MI1 stands out with reinforced concrete exteriors capable of enduring severe tropical weather as well as advanced certifications (NIST 800/FISMA, PCI-DSS, ISO 27001). For this reason, it is an ideal choice for companies aiming to operate securely and reliably in Latin America’s dynamic business environment.

5. Digital Realty 350 E Cermak Data Center (Chicago, Illinois)

Digital Realty’s 350 E Cermak is undeniably a key part of Chicago’s digital infrastructure, spanning 1.1 million square feet with 109 MW of mission-critical power. Not only that, but as a major connectivity hub, it offers multi-carrier access, top-tier colocation, and 24/7 security.

For this reason, its scale suits large enterprises, cloud providers, and tech firms that require high performance and interconnectivity in the Midwest.

What are Tier 1 Data Centers?

Tier 1 data centers are basic facilities that provide dedicated site infrastructure to support information technology beyond an office setting. However, they offer limited protection against physical events and have an expected uptime of 99.671%.

That translates to roughly 28.8 hours of downtime per year. Furthermore, these data centers use single-capacity components and rely on a single, non-redundant distribution path for IT equipment.

Where are the Largest Data Centers in the US?

Some of the largest data centers in the United States include:

1. The Citadel Campus (Nevada): Operated by Switch Inc., this facility is expected to encompass over 7.75 million square feet upon completion.

2. The Core Campus (Las Vegas, Nevada): Also operated by Switch Inc., this campus consists of eleven data centers spanning over 2 million square feet.

3. NAP of the Americas (Miami, Florida): A six-story, 750,000-square-foot facility serving as a major hub for network traffic between the United States and Latin America.

4. Google’s Data Center (The Dalles, Oregon): One of Google’s largest data centers, approximately the size of two American football fields, leveraging hydroelectric power and surplus fiber optic cable in the region.

Final Thoughts

The U.S. data center market is driven by strategic location, connectivity, power availability, and cost efficiency. As demand for cloud computing, AI, and digital services grows, these markets will keep expanding. This growth reinforces the U.S. as the global leader in data center infrastructure. Businesses have plenty of options to support their data operations, whether they prioritize low-latency performance, cost-effective power, or international connectivity.

Find the Right Data Center Solution with Brightlio

Looking for reliable data center solutions in the U.S.? We connect businesses with top-tier colocation, cloud, and connectivity services across the country’s leading data center markets. Whether you need scalable colocation in Northern Virginia, we’ve got you covered. Looking for cost-effective power in Phoenix? We can help with that too. If high-speed connectivity in New York is a priority, we’ll connect you with the right provider. Whatever your business needs, we’ll help you find the best solution.

Beyond colocation, we offer networking, cloud solutions, and advisory services to support your IT infrastructure. Our goal is to be your trusted partner in optimizing performance, reliability, and cost efficiency.

Get in touch today to explore data center solutions tailored to your business!

FAQs