ONU Study Finds Ohioans Strongly Oppose Data Center Expansion and Tax Breaks

ADA, Ohio— A statewide study released last week by the Ohio Northern University Institute for Civics and Public Policy (ICAPP), in partnership with SurveyUSA, indicates widespread public opposition to data center construction and public tax subsidies supporting data centers across Ohio. 

The survey of 1,650 Ohio adults, which has a +/- 2.9% margin of error, was conducted between October 8, 2026 and October 14, 2026. The poll also highlights strong national pride coupled with significant frustration over the country’s current path.  

Dr. Keith F. Durkin, ICAPP director and professor of sociology, notes: “Ohio is playing a defining role in shaping America’s future – both economically through the AI and data center boom, and civically as we honor our nation’s 250-year legacy. This poll bridges that gap, showing how regular Ohioans feel about where our country has been, where our state is headed, and what community progress should look like.” 

Broad opposition to data center construction and subsidies

A clear majority of Ohioans oppose the growth of data centers in the state.

According to the poll:

• Overall Construction: 55% of respondents oppose constructing data centers in Ohio (32% strongly, 23% somewhat), compared to just 22% who support it. Opposition holds across nearly every major demographic and regional subgroup.
• Tax Incentives: 65% oppose tax breaks for data center developments (43% strongly), while only 15% support them. Even among self-identified strong Republicans—the group most receptive to the breaks – a majority (53%) remain opposed.
• Constitutional Ban: 57% of adults indicate they would vote “Yes” on a proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution banning new large-scale data centers with peak power demands exceeding 25 megawatts. Only 22% would vote “No,” with 21% undecided.

ICAPP Student Fellow, Evan Kimmel noted, “Poll results reveal strong opposition from Ohioans to local data center expansion, driven by concerns over rising utility bills, environmental impact, and lower quality of life.”  

Resource costs and negative impact ratings

Public hesitation stems from widespread concerns over local economic, environmental, and quality-of-life impacts:

• Utility Costs: An overwhelming 79% of respondents believe data centers will drive up local water and electricity costs, with 49% expecting significant price increases.
• Net Opinion: When subtracting negative views from positive views, data centers received negative net sentiment across all measured categories:
  • Economy: -24 Net Opinion (50% negative vs. 26% positive)
  • Environment: -53 Net Opinion (66% negative vs. 13% positive)
  • Quality of Living: -30 Net Opinion (51% negative vs. 21% positive)

High patriotism paired with discontent over U.S. direction

The poll also examined how Ohioans view their national identity, revealing high levels of foundational pride mixed with dissatisfaction regarding the country’s trajectory:

• National Pride: 86% of Ohioans express moderate to extreme pride in being American (44% extremely proud).
• History & Principles: 85% state they are proud of America’s history, founding principles, and cultural identity.
• Current Direction: In contrast, 57% express little to no pride in the direction the United States is heading today (39% not proud at all). Sentiment varies sharply by political affiliation, with 80% of self-identified strong Republicans expressing pride in the nation’s direction compared to just 19% of self-identified strong Democrat respondents.

“Satisfaction levels often correlate with which party holds power in Washington and state capitals,” said Curtis Ware, ICAPP Student Fellow. “Theoretically, this gap would close if control of the White House, Congress, or statehouses shifts.”