Data centers are not new. In 2011, Duluth emphasized it’s inherent (cold) attributes that made it perfect place for Google a data center. In 2014, Eagan celebrated a new data center coming to the area. Back then, communities wanted data centers to create a need for better broadband, but data centers were a different game back then. The data centers we’re seeing in the news today are often hyperscale data centers. I’ll borrow from Cisco for a definition:
A hyperscale data center is a large-scale digital infrastructure platform engineered to support massive data processing and storage requirements. While the term is most commonly associated with major public cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, hyperscale refers specifically to an architectural approach that allows for extreme scalability and high performance
Interest in data centers has been growing over the last 12-18 months. We see articles in local and national new sources. We see our friends and family chiming in on social media. I have tried to track articles in Minnesota and in preparation for the annual MN Broadband County Profiles.
Here are the tools I’ve used:
- Current data centers: There are at least three sources that track data centers around the US: KADOA, Aterio and Data Center Maps. If you are interested in a specific project, it would be worth checking out each because they provide different data sets. I have used Data Center Maps below to track data centers because it was the middle in terms of numbers. Once I dug in, I found that their definition of “Minneapolis” encompassed several counties. Also, often several locations will have the same address, so I understand the fluctuation in number among the tools.
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: Gridcensus is a site selection tool that tracks locations suitable for prospective data centers.
- Current Activity: I have used the Blandin on Broadband blog and searches online.
This is an ongoing venture and one that isn’t always discussed publicly, so if you have corrections or update, please feel free to send it to me at atreacy@treacyinfo.com. Soon, I will write more about what I learned about data center, online tools and communities in the process of compiling these results.
Data Center by County
Aitkin
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 37
- Current activity:
The Aitkin Age reports that, “No major data center projects are currently proposed or planned in Aitkin County” but that mention alone indicates on the minds of some residents.
Anoka
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 55
- Current activity:
Anoka County does not appear to currently have any data centers or conversations about data centers. Discussions of data centers are happening with Lino Lakes City Council however, in October 2026, they announced that no conversations were happening with potential data center clients.
Becker
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 21
- Current activity:
Becker County does not appear to currently have any data centers nor plans for data centers. (Becker City does, but that’s in Sherburne County.)
Beltrami
- Current data centers: 1
- PBC Bemidji Data Center
Paul Bunyan Communications
1831 Anne St NW
56601Bemidji
Minnesota, USA
- PBC Bemidji Data Center
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 16
- Current activity:
In September, the Bemidji Planning Board voted 6-1 for a one-year moratorium on data centers
Benton
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 55
- Current activity:
Benton County does not appear to currently have any data centers nor plans for data centers.
Big Stone
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 12
- Current activity:
Big Stone County Commissioners adopted a temporary moratorium on new data centers in August 2026.
Blue Earth
- Current data centers: 1
- Fidium Mankaota
Fidium
221 E Hickory St
56001Mankato
Minnesota, USA
- Fidium Mankaota
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 85
- Current activity:
The Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners adopted a moratorium on data centers that is in effect until June 2027. Blue Earth County has a webpage focused on data center policy. Mankato also approved a one-year moratorium (in July 2026). In September, North Mankato City Council adopted a one-year data center moratorium and study, after tabling the ordinance in August.
Brown
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 55
- Current activity:
Brown County’s Board of Commissioners plan to talk about data centers on November 14, 2027.
Carlton
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 51
- Current activity:
Carlton County placed a one-year moratorium and ordinance on data centers starting Aug 2026, in part to allow time for the completion of the County’s Comprehensive Land Use Planning, which is due due back to the board by February 2027.
Carver
- Current data centers: 3 ( 63 were listed as in Mpls, but 3 actually in Carver County)
- Flexential Minneapolis – Chaska Data Center – $0 Setup fees
Flexential
3500 Lyman Blvd
55318 Chaska
Minnesota, USA
Carver County - LIGHTEDGE
LightEdge
1708 West Creek Lane
55318Chaska
Minnesota, USA
Carver County - CloudHQ MSP1
CloudHQ
2007 Schoolmaster Dr
55318Chaska
Minnesota, USA
Carver County
- Flexential Minneapolis – Chaska Data Center – $0 Setup fees
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 12
- Current activity:
While, I haven’t found anything on a county-wide decision on data centers, the Carver City Council enacted a one-year moratorium on data center construction to study potential zoning, noise, water, and electrical grid impacts in April 2026. Chaska has a website that tracks development in the city, including Cloud HQ. Currently Chaska is the only city in Carver County that seems to have had interactions with data centers. - Cass
Current data centers: 0 - Sites listed on Gridcensus: 29
- Current activity:
Cass County does not appear to currently have any data centers nor plans for data centers.
Chippewa
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 19
- Current activity:
Chippewa County does not appear to currently have any data centers nor plans for data centers.
Chisago
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 23
- Current activity:
Chicago County Commissioners approved one-year Moratorium on Data Centers in August 2026. Also, North Branch set a six-month moratorium on data centers in July 2026. Also, developers are looking at land to develop a project listed as Cielo Chisago Data Center and mentioned in Data Center Dynamics.
Clay
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 77
- Current activity:
Clay County does not appear to currently have any data centers nor policies for data centers. However, data centers were a hot topics in a 2026 debate between Clay County Commission candidates.
Clearwater
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 18
- Current activity:
Clearwater County does not appear to currently have any data centers nor policiess for data centers.
Cook
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 38
- Current activity:
Cook County does not appear to currently have any data centers nor policiess for data centers.
Cottonwood
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 38
- Current activity:
Cottonwood County does not appear to currently have any data centers nor policiess for data centers.There is a proposed data center in Mountain Lake. Public meetings were held starting Oct 2025, but the public displayed displeasure in July 2026.
Crow Wing
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 39
- Current activity:
- Corw Wing County has been working on changing or redefining regulations with an eye toward understanding the impact of data centers. BlockchAIn Digital Infrastructure has plans for a Crow Wing County data center. Brianerd approved an ordinance that specifies of power use for data centers. Pequot Lakes adopted a one-year data center moratorium in July 2026.
Dakota
- Current data centers: 21 ( 63were listed as in Mpls, but 21 actually in Dakota County)
- Meta Rosemount – Building 1
Meta
1367 145st St E
55068 Rosemount
Minnesota, USA
Dakota County - Meta Rosemount – Building 2
Meta
1367 145st St E
55068 Rosemount
Minnesota, USA
Dakota County - Farmington Technology Park – Building 11
Tract
2806 225th St W
Building 11
55024Farmington
Minnesota, USA
Dakota County - Connect Apple Valley
Connect Data Centers by Oppidan
150th St W & Pilot Knob Rd
55124Apple Valley
Minnesota, USA
Dakota County - Farmington Technology Park – Building 10
Tract
2806 225th St W
Building 10
55024Farmington
Minnesota, USA
Dakota County - Farmington Technology Park – Building 7
Tract
2806 225th St W
Building 7
55024Farmington
Minnesota, USA
Dakota County - Farmington Technology Park – Building 4
Tract
2830 220th St W
Building 4
55024Farmington
Minnesota, USA
Dakota County - Farmington Technology Park – Building 9
Tract
2806 225th St W
Building 9
55024Farmington
Minnesota, USA
Dakota County - Farmington Technology Park – Building 6
Tract
2830 220th St W
Building 6
55024Farmington
Minnesota, USA
Dakota County - Farmington Technology Park – Building 5
Tract
2830 220th St W
Building 5
55024Farmington
Minnesota, USA
Dakota County - DataBank MSP2 – East Twin Cities
DataBank
3255 Neil Armstrong Boulevard
55121Eagan
Minnesota, USA
Dakota County - Farmington Technology Park – Building 1
Tract
2830 220th St W
Building 1
55024Farmington
Minnesota, USA
Dakota County - Farmington Technology Park – Building 2
Tract
2830 220th St W
Building 2
55024Farmington
Minnesota, USA
Dakota County - Farmington Technology Park – Building 12
Tract
2806 225th St W
Building 12
55024Farmington
Minnesota, USA
Dakota County - Farmington Technology Park – Building 8
Tract
2806 225th St W
Building 8
55024Farmington
Minnesota, USA
Dakota County - Farmington Technology Park – Building 3
Tract
2830 220th St W
Building 3
55024Farmington
Minnesota, USA
Dakota County - CENTRA Minneapolis (MSP1)
CENTRA
3640 Nasseff Way
55123Eagan
Minnesota, USA
Dakota County - Unisys Eagan DC
Swervo Development Corp.
3199 Pilot Knob Rd.
55121Eagan
Minnesota, USA
Dakota County - Connect Eagan
Connect Data Centers by Oppidan
550 Opperman Dr
55123Eagan
Minnesota, USA
Dakota County - Farmington Technology Park
Tract
2830 220th St W / 2806 225th St W
55024Farmington
Minnesota, USA
Dakota County - Meta Rosemount Campus
Meta
1367 145th St E
55068Rosemount
Minnesota, USA
Dakota County
- Meta Rosemount – Building 1
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 374
- Current activity:
Dakota County has long been a champion for traditional data centers. It is still an area that’s attractive to data centers. The Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce has voiced support for data centers and AI. There have also been local residents speak up against data centers. In August 2026, MN Women’s Press and CRDCD hosted a forum on data centers, which is an interesting look at a range of local perspectives. Eagan has faced a lawsuit over their data center moratorium(through Feb 2027), Farmington has also had issues, while Inver Grove Heights has approved data center site plans just a couple months after instituting a one-year data center moratorium. Apple Valley has a one-year moratorium on data centers (through July 2027). Hastings established a one-year moratorium where no data center may be established, expanded or re-established anywhere in Hastings until Aug 2027 unless the council rescinds it earlier. Northfield moved to ban data centers in May 2026, then added data centers to the City Council meeting agenda in September and decided to look into tiered regulation in October, but started with a reduction in the required setback between data-processing facilities and parks or trails from roughly three-quarters of a mile to 200 feet. Rosemount instituted a one-year moratorium for data centers in April 2026.
Dodge
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 9
- Current activity:
Dodge County does not appear to currently have any data centers nor plans for data centers. Dodge County is close to Pine Island, which is part of a Google data center debate. The subject of data centers did come up in a public forum for candidates in October 2026 and came up at Olmsted and Dodge County forum hosted by Farmers Unions.
Douglas
- Current data centers: 1
- Vaultas Alexandria
Vaultas
720 Hawthorne St
56308Alexandria
Minnesota, USA
- Vaultas Alexandria
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 21
- Current activity:
Cottonwood County does not appear to currently have any data centers nor policies for data centers. Douglas County Commissioners discussed data centers in September 2026. Vaultas has been in Alexandria since 2011. (Reading the post from 2011, is a glimpse at views of data centers 15 years ago.)
Faribault
- Current data centers: 1
- AAIM Minnesota 1
AAIM Data Centers
Domes Dr
56013Blue Earth
Minnesota, USA
- AAIM Minnesota 1
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 32
- Current activity:
Faribault County does not appear to have any data centers nor policies for data centers. (Faribault city is not located in Faribault County.) Blue Earth is in Faribault County and currently has two data centers operating, and next year will be adding a third one, according to Blue Earth Light and Water. The article mentions that one data center is just off Highway 169 next door to Cabin Coffee and the other is in the West Industrial Park.
Fillmore
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 34
- Current activity:
Fillmore County does not appear to have any data centers nor policies for data centers. However, Fillmore County’s Harmony has been in discussions about data centers for a while; on November 10, the City Council will discuss a proposed city ordinance. It establishes clear regulatory standards for the development and operation of data center facilities within the city by protecting public health and safety while preserving Harmony’s rural character and environmental resources. In October 2026, Caledonia City Council approved a one-year data center moratorium.
Freeborn
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 36
- Current activity:
In August 2026, Freeborn County renewed a one-year moratorium on data centers.
Goodhue
- Current data centers: 1
- Cannon Falls Technology Park
Tract
US-52 & Rochester Blvd
55065Randolph Township
Minnesota, USA
- Cannon Falls Technology Park
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 33
- Current activity:
Goodhue County does not appear to have any data centers nor policies for data centers. Goodhue County’s Pine Island is home to Google’s proposed data centers, aka Project Skyway. (Google posted about the project in Feb 2026.) Construction was set to begin in July, but the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) filed a lawsuit, arguing that the original environmental review of the proposal wasn’t thorough enough. In late October, the Pine Island City Council settled the issue by asking Google for a more-robust environmental review.
Grant
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: fewer than 5
- Current activity:
Grant County does not appear to have any data centers nor policies for data centers.
Hennepin
- Current data centers: 21 (63 were listed as in Mpls, but many of those locations were actually in different counties)
- Cologix MIN1
Cologix
511 11th Ave South
Suite 100
55415Minneapolis
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - Cologix MIN2
Cologix
511 11th Ave S
Suite 400
55415Minneapolis
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - Cologix MIN3
Cologix
511 11th Ave S
Suite 200
55415Minneapolis
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - Cologix MIN4
Cologix
511 11th Ave S
Suite 211
55415Minneapolis
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - Cologix MIN5
Cologix
511 11th Ave S
55415Minneapolis
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - US Signal Minneapolis MN01
US Signal Company, LLC
10290 W 70th St
55344Eden Prairie
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - T5 Data Centers – T5@Minneapolis
T5 Data Centers
1001 3rd Ave S
55404Minneapolis
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - EdgeConneX Minneapolis – EDCMSP01
EdgeConneX
6875 Shady Oak Rd
55344Eden Prairie
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - DataBank MSP1 – West Twin Cities
DataBank
7700 France Ave S
55435Edina
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - DataBank MSP3 – Brooklyn Park
DataBank
8111 Oxbow Creek Dr N
55445Brooklyn Park
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - DataBank MSP4 – Downtown
DataBank
511 11th Avenue S
55145Minneapolis
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - Lumen Minneapolis 1
Lumen
222 S 9th Street
55402Minneapolis
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - Cogent Data Center – Minneapolis
Cogent Communications, Inc.
1001 3rd Ave S
Suite 502
55404Minneapolis
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - Fidium Edina
Fidium
7700 France Avenue
55435Edina
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - 511 Building
Unknown Company
511 11th Avenue South
55415Minneapolis
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - Lumen Minnetonka 1
Lumen
5500 Feltl Rd
55343Minnetonka
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - Lumen Minneapolis 3
Lumen
715 N 2nd Street
55401Minneapolis
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - 800 First Street North
Legacy Investing
800 N 1st St
55401Minneapolis
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - US Internet Minnetonka
US Internet
12450 Wayzata Blvd
55305Minnetonka
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - DataBank – 10300 6th Ave
DataBank
10300 6th Ave
55441Plymouth
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - IronGate Downtown Minneapolis
IronGate Data Centers
110n N 1st St
55401Minneapolis
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - Trustwave NOC
Trustwave Holdings, Inc.
7599 Corporate Way
55344Eden Prairie
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - US Internet Robbinsdale
US Internet
3819 W Broadway
55422Robbinsdale
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - 250 Marquette Avenue
KBS Capital Markets Group, LLC
250 Marquette Avenue
55401Minneapolis
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - Aureon Minneapolis
Aureon Networks
511 11th Ave S
55415Minneapolis
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - Uniti Minneapolis
Uniti Wholesale
401 2nd Ave S
55401Minneapolis
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - Lumen Minnetonka 2
Lumen
5480 Feltl Rd
55343Minnetonka
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - ABcom
ABcom
213 Old Highway 8 SW
55112New Brighton
Minnesota, USA
Hennepin County - Lumen Minneapolis 2
Lumen
511 11 Avenue South
55415 Minneapolis
Minnesota, USA
- Cologix MIN1
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 237
- Current activity:
Hennepin County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place or in discussion but cities within Hennepin County are working on policies and data centers are happening in Hennepin County. Plymouth City Council approved one-year moratorium on new data centers in September 2026. Minnetrista City Council approved a one-year moratorium on data centers in August 2026. In May, Minneapolis approved a six-month data center moratorium. Minneapolis officials hosted conversations on data centers and zoning that drew a lot of attention in July, 2026. Coincidentally, in September 2026, data center developers withdrew a deal proposed for Star Tribune building in Minneapolis earlier in the summer. In October 2026, Minneapolis Planning Commission works on adopting zoning regulations specifically designed for modern data centers.
Houston
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 22
- Current activity:
Houston County does not appear to have any data centers nor policies for data centers. But conversations have been happening with Fillmore County and in July 2026, Houston Commissioners decide not to establish a data center moratorium yet.
Hubbard
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 22
- Current activity:
Hubbard County does not appear to have any data centers nor policies for data centers.
Isanti
- Current data centers: 2
- RevNet Cambridge – Revelation Network Management, Inc
Revelation Network Management, Inc.
1100 16th Ave SE
55008Cambridge
Minnesota, USA - Integris Braham
Integris
205 2nd Street SW
55006Braham
Minnesota, USA
- RevNet Cambridge – Revelation Network Management, Inc
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 10
- Current activity:
Isanti County does not appear to currently have any data center policies in place but cities within Isanti County are working on policies and data centers. Isanti City approved a 30-month moratorium on hyperscale data centers in July, 2026 but pared that down in one year in August. Also in August, the Cambridge City Council unanimously approved the one-year moratorium on data centers.
Itasca
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 84
- Current activity:
Itasca County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place, but County Commissioner are investigating and talking about data centers.
Jackson
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 34
- Current activity:
Jackson County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place, nor are discussions happening.
Kanabec
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 12
- Current activity:
Kanabec County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place, but there is a Change Petition to ban data centers in the community.
Kandiyohi
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 42
- Current activity:
Kandiyohi County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place, nor are discussions happening.
Kittson
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 7
- Current activity:
Kittson County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place, nor are discussions happening.
Koochiching
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 15
- Current activity:
Koochiching County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place, nor are discussions happening.
Lac qui Parle
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 9
- Current activity:
Lac qui Parle County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place, nor are discussions happening.
Lake
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 18
- Current activity:
Lake County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place, nor are discussions happening.
Lake of the Woods
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 17
- Current activity:
Lake of the Woods County does not appear to have any data centers nor policies for data centers.
Le Sueur
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 31
- Current activity:
Le Sueur County announced a one-year moratorium on data centers in June 2026.
Lincoln
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 14
- Current activity:
Lincoln County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place, nor are discussions happening.
Lyon
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 47
- Current activity:
Lyon County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place, nor are discussions happening.
Mahnomen
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 13
- Current activity:
Mahnomen County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place, nor are discussions happening.
Marshall
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 7
- Current activity:
Marshall County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place, nor are discussions happening.
Martin
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 42
- Current activity:
Martin County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place, nor are discussions happening.
McLeod
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 38
- Current activity:
McLeod County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place but cities within the county are approving data center and/or working on policies. Glencoe City Council approved a development agreement with Revolve Labs July 20, 2026. Some community members have questions about the plans. Revolve Labs has launched a new website aimed at answering those questions. Hutchinson City Council approved a data center in Aug 2026; the Council has a FAQ on the project.
Meeker
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 20
- Current activity:
Meeker County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place, nor are discussions happening.
Mille Lacs
Current data centers: 0
Sites listed on Gridcensus: 14
Current activity:
Meeker County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place, nor are discussions happening. The Mill Lacs Messenger notes, “No major data center projects are currently proposed or planned in Mille Lacs County.”
Morrison
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 17
- Current activity:
Morrison County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place, nor are discussions happening.
Mower
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 24
- Current activity:
Mower County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place. There was a Data Center Basics 101 class in Mower County in January 2026, so some folks must be thinking about data centers.
Murray
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 8
- Current activity:
Murray County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place. However, PowerOn Midwest is planning to build a multi-billion dollar power infrastructure in SD and MN (Murray County specifically). While that doesn’t necessarily mean anything for a data center, it might catch the eye of developers.
Nicollet
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 13
- Current activity:
Nicollet County Board of Commissioners approved a one-year moratorium on data centers in July 2026. In September, North Mankato City Council adopted a one-year data center moratorium and study, after tabling the ordinance in August.
Nobles
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 19
- Current activity:
Nobles County rejected a data center proposal in April 2026 by denying a zoning change that would have permitted large-scale data centers in agricultural preservation areas.
Norman
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 5
- Current activity:
Norman County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place.
Olmsted
Current data centers: 0
Sites listed on Gridcensus: 65
Current activity:
Olmsted County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place. However, data centers came up at Olmsted and Dodge County forum hosted by Farmers Unions in October 2026. Municipalities in Olmsted County don’t appear to have policies related to data centers but Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce has chimed in to support the proposed Google data center project in Pine Island in Goodhue County. So, folks in the county are talking about data centers.
Otter Tail
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 36
- Current activity:
Otter Tail County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place. However, at a September Otter Tail County Board meeting, attendees started asking about data centers. Also, County Commission candidates in Otter Tail’s Fergus Falls talk were asked about data centers in public forums, possibly because of earlier rumors of possible data center interest.
Pennington
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 9
- Current activity:
Olmsted County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place. However, Thief River Falls City Council held a public meeting on data centers in September, 2026 to talk about an 18-month moratorium.
Pine
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 14
- Current activity:
Pine County extended data center moratorium to 12 months in August 2026.
Pipestone
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 12
- Current activity:
Pipestone County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place. However, an October letter to the editor in the Pipestone County Star asking policymakers to consider issues and suspicions he has seen in the community. consider
Polk
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 9
- Current activity:
Polk County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place.
Pope
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 21
- Current activity:
Pope County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place.
Ramsey
- Current data centers: 0
- DirectTV Oakdale
DirecTV
6287 32nd St N
55128Oakdale
Minnesota, USA - H5 Data Centers Minneapolis
H5 Data Centers
1125 Energy Park Dr
55108Saint Paul
Minnesota, USA - QLevr Inver Grove Heights
Qlevr Data Centers
5890 Carmen Ave E
55076Inver Grove Heights
Minnesota, USA - IronGate Twin Cities West
IronGate Data Centers
500 Bielenberg Dr
55402St. Paul
Minnesota, USA
Ramsey County - Cogent Data Center – St. Paul
Cogent Communications, Inc.
847 Earl St
55106 St Paul
Minnesota, USA
Ramsey County
- DirectTV Oakdale
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 171
- Current activity:
Ramsey County is home to three data centers. Ramsey County does not have any county-wide zoning code exclusively regulating data centers. Cities within Ramsey County, such as St Paul, are having discussions.
Red Lake
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: fewer than 5
- Current activity:
Red Lake County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place.
Redwood
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 23
- Current activity:
Redwood County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place.
Renville
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 21
- Current activity:
Renville County does not appear to currently have any data centers policies in place.
Rice
- Current data centers: 7
- Archer Minneapolis – Building 4
Archer Datacenters
15339 Acorn Train
55021 Faribault
Minnesota, USA
Rice County - Archer Minneapolis – Building 2
Archer Datacenters
15339 Acorn Trail
55021Faribault
Minnesota, USA
Rice County - Archer Minneapolis – Building 6
Archer Datacenters
15339 Acorn Trail
55021Faribault
Minnesota, USA
Rice County - Archer Minneapolis – Building 3
Archer Datacenters
15339 Acorn Trail
55021Faribault
Minnesota, USA
Rice County - Archer Minneapolis – Building 5
Archer Datacenters
15339 Acorn Trail
55021Faribault
Minnesota, USA
Rice County - Archer Minneapolis – Building 1
Archer Datacenters
15339 Acorn Trail
55021Faribault
Minnesota, USA
Rice County - Archer Minneapolis Campus
Archer Datacenters
15339 Acorn Trail
55021Faribault
Minnesota, USA
Rice County
- Archer Minneapolis – Building 4
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 34
- Current activity:
Rice County does not appear to have any data centers policies in place. However, Rice County’s Faribault is a location for a proposed data center, which has had a winding journey in the process. In June 2026, an Appeals court said the City must undertake a more thorough environmental review of a proposed data center, after that the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) took issue with the fact that they initially did not require an Environmental Impact Statement. Now, after deciding to focus on City standards, the city will hold a public discussion about data center ordinances on Nov 18.
Also in May 206, Lonsdale City Council passed a one-year moratorium on data centers. Northfield moved to ban data centers in May 2026, then added data centers to the City Council meeting agenda in September and decided to look into tiered regulation in October, but started with a reduction in the required setback between data-processing facilities and parks or trails from roughly three-quarters of a mile to 200 feet.
Rock
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 31
- Current activity:
Rock County does not appear to have any data centers nor plans for data centers. (Rock County, WI is having major discussions about data centers.)
Roseau
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 19
- Current activity:
Rock County does not appear to currently have any data centers nor plans for data centers.
Scott
- Current data centers: 3
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 36
- Current activity:
Scott County does not appear to have any data centers policies in place. However, Scott County’s City of Shakopee is home operational and proposed CSquare Minneapolis data centers. Shakopee has a website of FAQs on data centers, including information on why the City Council cannot stop data center. Another town, Elko New Market has a temporary moratorium from May 2026-2027.
Sherburne
- Current data centers: 1
- Amazon AWS – Sherco Power Plant
Amazon AWS
within Sherco Power Plant
Becker
Minnesota, USA
Sherburne County
- Amazon AWS – Sherco Power Plant
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 57
- Current activity:
Sherburne County does not appear to have any data centers policies in place, however, the County’s Economic Development 5-year Strategic Plan (2026–2030) lists “attracting data center development” as a goal. In July 2026, Sherburne County’s Elk River announced that the data center that had been interested in locating into the area withdrew their application, after Elk River City Council unanimously rejected a proposed zoning amendment. Soon after (Aug 3), Elk River City Council unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on new data center development.
Sibley
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 7
- Current activity:
Rock County does not appear to have any data centers nor data centers policies in place.
St. Louis
- Current data centers: 6
- Ark Data Centers Duluth 1
Ark Data Centers
3401 Technology Drive
55811Duluth
Minnesota, USA - Ark Data Centers Duluth 2
Ark Data Centers
421 N. 6th Ave. East
55805Duluth
Minnesota, USA - Google Hermantown Campus
Google
Midway Rd & Morris Thomas Rd
55810Hermantown
Minnesota, USA - Google Hermantown – Building 3
Google
Midway Rd & Morris Thomas Rd
55810Hermantown
Minnesota, USA - Google Hermantown – Building 1
Google
Midway Rd & Morris Thomas Rd
55810Hermantown
Minnesota, USA - Google Hermantown – Building 2
Google
Midway Rd & Morris Thomas Rd
55810Hermantown
Minnesota, USA
- Ark Data Centers Duluth 1
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 179
- Current activity:
In St Louis County, data center development is managed through county zoning classifications, municipal agreements, and existing state environmental and land-use laws. St Louis County’s Hermantown is a hot topic in Minnesota because of the proposed Google data center that received unanimous approval from the City Council to move ahead on Oct 30, 2026. The project has received public scrutiny. Google decided they would no longer seek tax breaks.
Stearns
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 82
- Current activity:
Stearns County does not appear to have any data centers nor plans for data centers, however cities within Stearns County are looking at options. St. Cloud City Council agreed without opposition, in October 2026, to set a public hearing on a new ordinance that would place restrictions on new hyperscale data centers, which will happen on November 16. Sartell has been looking into data centers policies. In May 2026, the Mayor of St Jospeh enacted a one-year moratorium. Also in May, Waite Park instituted a one-year moratorium.
Steele
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 50
- Current activity:
Stearns County does not appear to currently have any data center policies. However, in late October, Owatonna Planning Commission recommended zoning ordinance updates that would include data center definition, even though they have not been approached by any data centers. The topics came up in local candidate debates.
Stevens
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 11
- Current activity:
Stevens County does not appear to currently have any data center policies. However, there was a letter to the editor in the Stevens County Times (Some Projects Are Laying The groundwork for Data Centers), which would indicate that people are thinking about it.
Swift
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 17
- Current activity:
Swift County does not appear to have any data centers nor plans for data centers however, data centers were a topic of concern at the October 2026 County Commissioners meeting.
Todd
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 11
- Current activity:
Todd County does not appear to have any data centers nor plans for data centers but the County Commission have voted yes (in Oct 2026) to a data center moratorium.
Traverse
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 9
- Current activity:
Traverse County does not appear to have any data centers, plans for data centers nor policies.
Wabasha
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 20
- Current activity:
Wabasha County does not appear to have any data centers, plans for data centers nor policies.
Wadena
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 14
- Current activity:
Wadena County does not appear to have any data centers, plans for data centers nor policies.
Waseca
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 7
- Current activity:
Waseca County does not appear to have any data centers, plans for data centers nor policies.
Washington
- Current data centers: 1
- IronGate Twin Cities East
IronGate Data Centers
401 Bielenberg Dr
55125Woodbury
Minnesota, USA
Washington County
- IronGate Twin Cities East
Sites listed on Gridcensus: 26
Current activity:
Washington County does not appear to have any data center policies, although they have discussed them. (Washington Counties in other states, such as Florida, has. That will skew any Google searches.) However, Woodbury City Council approved a moratorium on new data centers in September, 2026 while they do research. This moratorium should not impact existing data centers in the city.
Watonwan
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 18
- Current activity:
Watonwan County does not appear to have any data center policies, but there was a discussion at the July 2026 County Board meeting.
Wilkin
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 9
- Current activity:
Wilkin County does not appear to have any data center policies.
Winona
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 38
- Current activity:
In September 2026, Winona County Board decided to consider temporary data center ban to study the impacts. There is a public event planned to discuss data centers and AI on November 5.
Wright
- Current data centers: 6
-
- Scannell Technology Park – Building 1
Scannell Properties
90th St NE
55362Monticello
Minnesota, USA
Wright County - Scannell Technology Park – Building 4
Scannell Properties
90th St NE
55362Monticello
Minnesota, USA
Wright County - Scannell Technology Park – Building 2
Scannell Properties
90th St NE
55362Monticello
Minnesota, USA
Wright County - Scannell Technology Park – Building 3
Scannell Properties
90th St NE
55362Monticello
Minnesota, USA
Wright County - Scannell Technology Park
Scannell Properties
90th St NE
55362Monticello
Minnesota, USA
Wirght County - Monticello Tech Park
Unknown Company
MN-25 & 85th St NE
55362Monticello
Minnesota, USA
Wright County
- Scannell Technology Park – Building 1
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 53
- Current activity:
Wright County Board approved a data center moratorium in May 2026 to have up to one year to do a study. In June, they set up a Data Center Working Group. The moratorium applies strictly to unincorporated township lands and but not to separate municipalities, such as Monticello, Elk River and Otsego.
Monticello residents are learning increasingly more on a proposed data center in their community, the company in question, Monticello Tech, offered to pay city costs for data center review, then Monticello Commissioners voted to recommend approval of applications that open the door to a specific hyperscale data center, and there is a public meeting planned for November 9. Albertville City Council reviewed data center concept in their September meeting. In August, Otsego City Council unanimously approves a one-year moratorium on data centers. Elk River is also talking about data centers; recently candidates chimed in on discuss data centers.
Yellow Medicine
- Current data centers: 0
- Sites listed on Gridcensus: 8
- Current activity:
Yellow Medicine County does not have any existing data centers and does not appear to have any data center policies.