Beyond Data Centers
Data centers are more than just hubs of servers — they are engines of economic growth with a far-reaching ripple effect across Virginia’s economy.
As demand for digital infrastructure surges, a wide network of industries is activated to support it, including HVAC, electrical contracting, steel and sheet metal fabrication, construction, engineering, and advanced manufacturing. These sectors provide the materials, labor, and expertise needed to build and maintain the data-driven backbone of our economy.
Beyond construction, data centers generate ongoing demand for local vendors and skilled trades, creating thousands of well-paying, long-term jobs in communities that might not otherwise see this kind of investment. From supplying custom ductwork and power systems to managing climate control and maintenance, companies across the Commonwealth are deeply embedded in the data center supply chain.
This interconnected ecosystem strengthens local economies, fuels innovation, and reinforces Virginia’s leadership in the digital age.
And the economic ripple doesn’t stop there. Data center jobs have a powerful multiplier effect across the broader economy. An independent analysis by PwC found that each direct job in the data center between 2017 and 2023, the industry supported an average of 6.5 additional jobs in other sectors. This extends well beyond construction and tech, generating employment in local restaurants, hotels, retail, and other service-based businesses that benefit from increased activity and investment in the region.
A growing number of businesses are operating in Virginia because of the data center industry. Here are some examples of companies supported by data centers:
Image courtesy of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership