Survey shows 62% of Hancock County respondents oppose Hawesville Data Center; many still undecided
By Chelsea Boling
A data center survey conducted by The Hancock Clarion of Hancock County residents garnered 401 responses. The survey collected data through multiple choice questions and free text responses. The survey found that residents generally recognize potential economic benefits of the proposed development. However, many remain unconvinced that those benefits outweigh their concerns. Many still need more information before they can fully evaluate the project.
Potential Benefits
When asked about the project’s potential positive impacts, respondents acknowledged several possible advantages. The most frequently cited benefit was increased tax revenue for Hancock County and local schools, followed by job creation and the redevelopment of an existing industrial property. 20% of respondents responded with “none” to the question: What do you see as the biggest positive impact of the data center?
Opposition is Strong, but so is Uncertainty
Nearly half of respondents indicated they strongly oppose the project, while support remains comparatively low.
At the same time, a significant portion of respondents selected neutral or undecided responses throughout the survey.
Rather than reflecting indifference, those neutral responses may point to something more important. Many residents do not have enough information to decide. That uncertainty appeared repeatedly across questions involving the project itself, communication from local officials, and information provided by TeraWulf.
Trust Emerges as the Central Issue
Perhaps the survey’s most significant finding is the apparent trust gap between the community and the organizations involved in the project.
When asked about their confidence in TeraWulf, nearly half of respondents reported having little or no trust in the company. Only a small percentage expressed confidence. Residents also expressed limited confidence in how the project has been communicated.
Practical Concerns Dominate
The survey revealed that residents’ concerns center on issues they believe could directly affect everyday life in Hancock County. Water usage, electrical demand, environmental impacts, public health, and the number of permanent jobs the facility would create were among the most frequently cited concerns. The written comments reinforced those findings. Many respondents expressed a desire for additional information or uncertainty about how the project could affect the community over time.
The Role of Local Journalism
As discussion surrounding the proposed data center continues, one conclusion is clear from the survey. Many residents are still searching for answers. The Hancock Clarion views that as both an opportunity and a responsibility.
Rather than advocating for or against the project, our goal is to continue researching, asking questions, verifying claims, and presenting factual information that helps readers make informed decisions.
Full Survey Responses
What city do you live in?
• Hawesville: 48.6%
• Lewisport: 40.4%
• Reynolds Station: 6.7%
• Pellville: 4.2%
How long have you lived in Hancock County?
• More than 20 years: 63.3%
• 11-20 years: 15%
• 1-5 years: 11%
• 6-10 years: 9.2%
• Less than 1 year: 1.5%
What is your age range?
• 30–39: 28.2%
• 50–65: 23.7%
• 40–49: 21.2%
• 18–29: 17.2%
• 65+: 8.7%
• Under 18: 1.0%
What is your education level?
• High School or GED: 31.4%
• Some College: 22.4%
• Associate Degree: 17.5%
• Bachelor’s Degree: 13.5%
• Graduate/Professional Degree: 10.2%
• Trade/Technical Certification: 4.0%
• None: 1.0%
What is your employment status?
• Employed full time: 59.9%
• Retired: 14.0%
• Employed part time: 9.7%
• Unemployed: 9.5%
• Self-employed: 6.0%
• Student: 1.0%
How familiar are you with the data center project in Hawesville?
• Somewhat familiar: 46.1%
• Very familiar: 23.7%
• Slightly familiar: 23.4%
• Not at all familiar: 6.7%
Do you support the development of the data center in Hawesville?
• Strongly oppose: 45.6%
• Neutral/Unsure: 29.7%
• Oppose: 16.2%
• Support: 5.0%
• Strongly support: 3.5%
What do you see as the biggest positive impact of the data center?
• Tax generation for the county and schools: 32.2%
• Job creation: 24.7%
• No positive impact: 20.2%
• Use of a vacant industrial site: 15.2%
• Economic growth: 7.7%
What do you see as the biggest negative impact of the data center?
• Electricity usage: 24.2%
• Health concerns: 21.4%
• Water usage: 11.5%
• Pollution: 8.7%
• Not enough job creation: 8.0%
• Noise/Light: 4.2%
• All of the above (including write-in variations): approximately 9.0%
• Other write-in responses: approximately 13.0%
How confident are you that local leaders will manage this project responsibly?
• Neutral/Unsure: 30.2%
• Very unconfident: 28.9%
• Somewhat unconfident: 20.4%
• Somewhat confident: 12.2%
• Very confident: 8.2%
How satisfied are you with the transparency and communication from Hancock County officials?
• Neutral/Unsure: 36.7%
• Very dissatisfied: 24.7%
• Dissatisfied: 19.7%
• Satisfied: 10.5%
• Very satisfied: 8.5%
How satisfied are you with the transparency and communication from TeraWulf?
• Very dissatisfied: 32.9%
• Neutral/Unsure: 32.7%
• Dissatisfied: 22.9%
• Satisfied: 7.7%
• Very satisfied: 3.7%
How much trust do you have in TeraWulf to follow through on commitments made to the community?
• No trust at all: 45.1%
• Neutral/Unsure: 26.9%
• Some distrust: 19.2%
• Some trust: 6.0%
• Complete trust: 2.7%
