Montana Study Quantifies Hyperscale Data Center Impacts

A University of Montana study estimates the jobs, personal income and tax revenue a large data center could generate for the state.

Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Data Centers

Montana Study Quantifies Hyperscale Data Center Impacts

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The University of Montana's Bureau of Business and Economic Research has published a study on the economic effects of hyperscale data centers, defined as facilities of 500 megawatts and above. The analysis, based on REMI economic modeling, focuses on jobs, tax revenue and energy impacts.

Why it matters

The findings give Montana residents and policymakers a quantified baseline for weighing the benefits of large data center projects against their energy demands. The results were produced under current state law, which may change at the upcoming legislative session.

The figures are modeled estimates from REMI economic analysis of 1,000 MW facilities, projecting 250 direct jobs and 452 statewide jobs after build-out, with $47 million in annual property taxes. The study does not evaluate water, environmental or community effects.

The players

University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research

The research unit of the University of Montana that conducts economic analysis for the state and published this study on hyperscale data centers.

The details

The study models data centers in 500 MW increments and estimates that a 1,000 MW facility taking four years to build would directly support 500 construction jobs and up to 1,500 statewide jobs. Once fully built, the modeled facility would support 250 direct jobs and 452 statewide jobs, with property tax payments potentially rising to $54 million if paired with co-developed new power generation.

Four years: estimated construction period for a 1,000 MW data center in the study's model.
Upcoming legislative session: possible change to the state law under which the findings were produced.

Big Picture

The Bureau of Business and Economic Research applies REMI regional modeling to large infrastructure questions, and this study extends that approach to hyperscale data centers. It gives Montana a quantified framework for comparing tax and job gains against power demands.

Montanans considering data center jobs or local tax effects can use the modeled figures to gauge potential local gains. Residents on utility bills may also see how power generation requirements affect energy costs.

The takeaway

Large data centers can bring construction jobs and substantial property tax revenue, but the modeled benefits depend heavily on energy supply decisions. Weighing those trade-offs is central to any local or state decision on hosting such facilities.