Stargate Data Center Fuels Housing Crisis in Abilene

The massive construction project has brought thousands of workers to the city, straining the limited housing supply.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The 4-million-square-foot Stargate data center under construction in Abilene, Texas has brought around 6,000 workers to the city, which has a population of just over 100,000. With housing already in short supply, rents have surged, deepening affordability challenges for local residents.

Why it matters

The influx of workers for the Stargate project has strained Abilene's housing market, making it increasingly difficult for long-time residents to find affordable places to live. This highlights the broader impact that large-scale development projects can have on local communities, especially those with limited housing inventory.

The details

The Stargate data center, a massive AI project, has drawn approximately 6,000 workers to the city of Abilene, which previously had a population of just over 100,000. With the housing supply already limited, rents have skyrocketed as demand for available units has far outpaced supply. This has created significant affordability challenges for many Abilene residents.

  • The Stargate data center construction project began in 2024.

The players

Stargate

A 4-million-square-foot data center project under construction in Abilene, Texas.

Abilene, Texas

A city in Texas with a population of just over 100,000 residents.

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What they’re saying

“The influx of workers for the Stargate project has strained Abilene's housing market, making it increasingly difficult for long-time residents to find affordable places to live.”

— Andrew Chow, Correspondent, Time magazine (Time magazine)

The takeaway

The Stargate data center project in Abilene highlights the broader impact that large-scale development can have on local housing markets, especially in communities with limited existing inventory. As more workers move to the area to support the project, the strain on affordable housing has become a significant challenge for long-time Abilene residents.