While some cities across America scramble for cash, one Virginia county has almost the opposite problem: It’s become hooked on a flood of money from the data centers powering the internet and AI boom.
In Loudoun County, outside Washington, D.C., data centers generated 38% of Loudoun’s General Fund revenue in its FY2026 budget, according to the county. That cash has helped the county lower its real property tax rate every year for the past decade, from $1.145 per $100 of assessed value in 2016 to $0.805 in 2026.
Must Read
- Jeff Bezos backs a platform that lets anyone invest in rental homes for as little as $100 — 6 ways to build wealth like a landlord without actually being one
- Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake. Here’s what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP
- Millionaires under 43 hold only 25% of their wealth in stocks. Here’s where their money is actually going
Loudoun County has used its data center windfall to help pay for new schools, better roads and emergency services. The spending has included some splashier projects, too, like the new Ashburn Recreation and Community Center, which opened in July 2025 with a 50-meter competition pool, leisure pool, spa, and fitness area.
Sound like a sweet deal?…