KEY POINTS
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February 2026 reported total data center spending of $11.5 billion, bringing the year-to-date (YTD) total to an impressive $36.9 billion.
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This figure far surpasses the comparable 2025 YTD total of $1.4 billion, underscoring the extraordinary growth trajectory of 2026.
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Year-to-date spending has been concentrated in a select group of states, led by Illinois, Ohio, North Carolina, and Virginia.
This exclusive data center report was prepared by ConstructConnect Chief Economist, Michael Guckes, and Associate Economist, Devin Bell.
Data Center Construction Starts Spending
February 2026 reported total data center spending of $11.5 billion, bringing the year-to-date (YTD) total to an impressive $36.9 billion.
This figure far surpasses the comparable 2025 YTD total of $1.4 billion, underscoring the extraordinary growth trajectory of 2026.
January’s unprecedented $25.4 billion—marking the highest one-month total in history—continues to set the tone for the year, with its impact expected to ripple through YTD results for many months to come.
The combined January and February results have elevated the 12-month moving average for datacenter starts spending to $9.7 billion, as shown in the chart above. If this pace holds steady, full-year spending for 2026 would reach $116.4 billion. Image and Data: ConstructConnect
While February’s $11.5 billion spending was less than half of January’s record-breaking figure, it still ranks as the sixth-highest monthly total since recordkeeping began in January 2020.
The combined January and February results have elevated the 12-month moving average for datacenter starts spending to $9.7 billion. If this pace holds steady, full-year spending for 2026 would reach $116.4 billion.
However, using the more aggressive six-month average of $13.6 billion would bring full year spending to $163.2 billion. These projections generally align with our latest 2026 forecast of $128.4 billion.
How Data Center Spending is Spread Across the U.S.
Year-to-date spending has been concentrated in a select group of states, led by Illinois ($10.3 billion), Ohio ($10.0 billion), North Carolina ($10.0 billion), and Virginia ($1.6 billion). Only three other states—Texas, Alabama, and South Carolina—have reported 2026 spending exceeding $500 million.
Trailing twelve-month (TTM) spending reflects a similar geographic pattern, with the South Central, Southeast Seaboard, and Midwest regions capturing the majority of new data center investments.
The South Central states, spanning from Texas to Alabama, collectively received $43.3 billion in new starts over the past 12 months. The Midwest, encompassing Illinois through Pennsylvania, followed with $31.2 billion, while the Southeast Seaboard states, from Virginia to Florida, accounted for $28.0 billion.
While February 2026 $11.5 billion in data center starts spending was less than half of January’s record-breaking figure, it still ranks as the sixth-highest monthly total since recordkeeping began in January 2020. Shown in a US map above, the 12-month moving average for datacenter starts spending in $, billions. Image and Data: ConstructConnect
Data Center Project Pipeline
Looking ahead, ConstructConnect is tracking $70.8 billion in data center projects slated to start within the next six months. This planned total aligns with the monthly averages discussed earlier and positions 2026 spending to meet or exceed forecasted levels.
However, it is important to note that these projects are in various stages of preconstruction and are not guaranteed to break ground as currently scheduled.
ConstructConnect is tracking $70.8 billion in data center projects slated to start within the next six months. A map of US planned data center starts value by region over the next six months is shown above. It is important to note that these projects are in various stages of preconstruction and are not guaranteed to break ground as currently scheduled. Image and Data: ConstructConnect
Geographically, the near-term pipeline mirrors current trends, with the South Central and Southeast regions continuing to dominate planned spending.
Additional hotspots include Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio, and Oregon, which could see significant investment in the near-term.
Power Infrastructure Starts
The rapid pace of data center construction, coupled with robust near-term investment plans, hinges on the availability of adequate power infrastructure.
In 2025, Power Infrastructure construction starts surpassed $36 billion for the first time on record.
For 2026, Power Infrastructure starts are forecasted to grow by 32% year-over-year, looking to keep pace with the energy demands of new data centers developments.
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