Illinois data center explosion promises 121K jobs — but only 2,800 are permanent while electric bills could jump $150 a year
A $57 billion Illinois data center boom could add 121,000 jobs, yet only 2,800 would last, and residents' electricity bills will climb by $150.
Illinois is on track to create 121,000 jobs through data center construction by 2035, but only 2,800 of those will be permanent. Each permanent job is expected to bring in around $20.2 million in investment. However, average Illinois households could see their electricity bills increase by $150 per year due to the construction. The state is set to undergo a projected $57 billion wave of data center development, and while 41,751 jobs could arise from increased consumer spending, the long-term employment outlook is small.
Property taxes could generate nearly $300 million annually, potentially reducing residents' property taxes by 3% to 10%, but some argue stronger requirements should be in place for these incentives. Rising electricity costs could challenge the economic case for the data centers, with increased demand potentially raising bills by $150 annually for Illinois residents.
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