The US data center market has seen explosive growth, doubling in size over the past four years, according to a mid-year JLL report. With 12GW of existing colocation capacity—twice that of 2020—vacancy rates have hit a record low of 3%. Northern Virginia continues to dominate, accounting for nearly half of this expansion. However, Atlanta has emerged as the top market for absorption, surpassing Northern Virginia for the first time.

AI has fueled this surge, accounting for 20% of new data center demand, yet this boom comes with challenges. Data centers are increasingly struggling with power limitations, especially as AI and cloud computing ramp up their energy needs. Additionally, the sector faces a significant staffing shortage, with 10% of roles unfilled and only 15% of applicants meeting qualifications.

Despite these hurdles, construction of new data centers remains strong, with 5.3GW of capacity under development. However, 84% of this new space is already pre-leased, driving rents up by as much as 37% year-over-year. The pressure on the grid is intensifying, not just from data centers but also from manufacturing and electric vehicle demands.

Andrew Batson of JLL notes that AI is reshaping data center design, requiring more power and advanced cooling solutions to manage the heat generated by next-gen GPUs. As the industry grapples with these growing pains, it must also address workforce shortages to sustain its rapid expansion. Employers are urged to innovate in hiring and retention to secure the talent needed for the future.