Dallas Leads Global Data Center Rankings, Highlighting Texas' Rapid Growth

Cushman & Wakefield's 2026 Global Data Center Market Comparison placed Dallas at the top of its ranking, with Austin-San Antonio and West Texas also claiming first-place spots in their segments. The firm analyzed 107 markets based on criteria such as power and land access, projects under construction, existing infrastructure and regulatory environment, highlighting Texas' appeal for firms seeking AI-intensive computing power.

While Virginia remains the largest market by current operating capacity, Texas' extensive pipeline of planned facilities positions it to potentially match or surpass Virginia in total capacity. The surge in development is spreading beyond the traditional Dallas-Fort Worth hub as companies chase abundant land and a deregulated power grid. Governor Greg Abbott has called on data centers to generate or secure their own electricity and share infrastructure costs, amid concerns over water availability in West Texas and the strain on the state's power supply. The report notes that electricity connection times now average 4.4 years, prompting some developers to self-provide power to stay competitive.