First U.S. Survey Reveals Widespread Health Impacts from Data Center and Cryptomining Noise

Quiet Communities and Science for Georgia have released the first-of-its-kind national survey on the impacts of data center and cryptomining noise pollution on public health. The survey, which received 103 responses from residents across 11 states, reveals that a significant majority of those living near these facilities report hearing noise inside their homes, with serious consequences for their physical and mental well-being.

Among the key findings, 83% of respondents reported hearing data center or cryptomining noise inside their homes. This noise significantly interfered with their ability to rest and relax, sleep undisturbed, and concentrate, with 71%, 65%, and 54% of respondents, respectively, experiencing these issues. The survey also highlighted widespread concerns about the impact of noise on mental health (95%), physical health (87%), and property values (90%). A staggering 67% of respondents have considered moving or leaving their homes due to the noise.

The noise levels from data centers and cryptomining facilities can be comparable to those of a vacuum cleaner or a factory floor, recorded at over 80 dBA. These facilities operate 24/7, leading to continuous low-frequency noise that can affect residents for months or years. The noise can directly result in high blood pressure and has been linked to over 45,000 new cases of heart disease and 12,000 premature deaths due to long-term exposure.

Jamie Banks, PhD, MSc, founder and president of Quiet Communities, emphasized the urgent need for policymakers and the industry to address these issues. "As data centers and cryptomining facilities expand into more communities, we’ve seen surprisingly little data documenting actual resident experiences. This survey begins to fill that gap, and the results suggest these impacts are widespread enough that they deserve serious attention."

Dr. Amy Sharma, executive director of Science for Georgia, highlighted the rapid expansion of these facilities and the lack of robust independent research to guide policy decisions. "Communities are being asked to host facilities without the benefit of robust, independent research on what living next to them actually means over the long term. Our goal is to ensure that decisions about data center and cryptomining development are grounded in evidence, with public health treated as a core consideration rather than an afterthought."

The survey, which was open from March 18 through late April 2026, was distributed through community networks, partner organizations, and public social media outreach. Although there was no minimum or maximum distance requirement, more than half of the respondents reported living within one-half mile of a facility. The survey was approved by the University of Georgia Institutional Review Board (IRB), ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures.

The findings of this survey have significant policy implications. Over 76% of respondents who lived more than a half mile away from the facilities could still hear noise inside their homes. This suggests that current zoning and ordinance laws, which typically set minimum buffers of about 500 feet, may be inadequate for both humans and livestock. The survey underscores the need for more stringent noise regulations to protect nearby residents and communities.

As AI adoption and demand accelerate, data centers and cryptomining facilities are rapidly expanding into communities across the United States. As of April 2026, 42% of Americans live within five miles of an existing or planned data center, with more than 3,000 facilities currently operating nationwide and roughly 1,500 additional projects proposed. Increasingly, the two industries are converging, with many companies that once focused primarily on cryptomining now building or operating AI data center infrastructure.

Despite growing community opposition and new plans for both AI and cryptomining data centers, residents are left to advocate for themselves. The survey highlights the urgent need for policymakers and local officials to consider the long-term impacts of these facilities on public health and the environment. The results of this study will be crucial in informing future policy decisions and ensuring that the rapid expansion of data centers and cryptomining facilities is balanced with the well-being of nearby communities.