Why Corporations Are Choosing Laramie County, Wyoming | Ranch and Recreation

South of Cheyenne along US Highway 85, pasture once used for seasonal cattle grazing is becoming one of the largest data center campuses in the country. Laramie County has become one of the most sought-after places in the country for large-scale investment, and the reasons are as practical as the people who live here.

As of June 2026, Cheyenne LEADS counted 10 data center locations operating in Cheyenne and Laramie County, 5 more under construction, and 9 in advanced discussions. Another 36 companies or site selectors have reached out. Here is who is building, why they chose this ground, and what it means for anyone who owns or wants to own land in the county.

Who is building

Google. In July 2026, county filings revealed Google as the company behind Project Tembo, a 716-acre, 2.7-gigawatt data center campus about 8 miles south of Cheyenne off US 85, with completion planned for 2031 (Cowboy State Daily). Tallgrass is building a dedicated power hub alongside it.

Microsoft. Here since 2012, Microsoft announced in April 2026 its intent to buy roughly 3,200 more acres to expand (Microsoft).

Meta and Related Digital. Meta’s $800 million, 715,000-square-foot campus in the High Plains Business Park could open as early as 2027, and Related Digital broke ground on a $1.2 billion, 302-megawatt campus in east Cheyenne in October 2025 (Cowboy State Daily).

The U.S. Air Force. F.E. Warren Air Force Base is first in line for the Sentinel missile program, expected to bring about $2.6 billion in construction to southeast Wyoming and between 2,000 and 5,000 people at peak (Cowboy State Daily).

Why here

Energy. Wind, sun, and natural gas are close at hand, and developers can pair dedicated generation with the grid. Projects at this scale go where power can be built, not just bought.

Land and elevation. Open, gently rolling ground at about 6,000 feet, with cool, dry air that helps keep servers cool.

Location. Cheyenne sits where I-25 meets I-80, about 90 minutes from Denver, with rail and fiber running through.

Tax climate. Wyoming has no personal or corporate state income tax, and the state promotes itself as having the nation’s most business-friendly tax climate (Wyoming Business Council).

Planning that says yes, carefully. Laramie County adopted updated Land Use Regulations in 2025, and Governor Gordon’s 2026 executive order, “Data Centers the Wyoming Way,” sets expectations for responsible growth (Cheyenne LEADS).

What it means on the ground

Growth this size brings real pressure. Cheyenne’s mayor has written that finding room for workforce housing is a challenge, and the county has been reviewing an 800-unit camp that could house up to 5,600 workers (Cowboy State Daily). Neighbors have raised fair questions about water, noise, power lines, and traffic, and those conversations are part of doing growth the Wyoming way.

For landowners and buyers, a few things follow:

Housing is tight. Contractors, technicians, and military support crews all need somewhere to live.
Working space is valuable. Trades and energy contractors need room to park equipment, store materials, and stage jobs.
Agricultural land still anchors the county. Most of Laramie County is still grass, cattle, and family operations, and most of the land that changes hands goes to neighbors.
Zoning and water matter more than ever. Before you buy for any use beyond agriculture or a home, talk with Laramie County Planning and Development about what the parcel allows, and check what the well permit covers.

Room to work north of town

Not everyone wants to be next door to a data center. If you are watching this growth and want acreage of your own, we just listed 163 acres on US Highway 85 northeast of Cheyenne with two homes, an insulated shop, corrals, and a 94×24 lean-to, offered at $925,000. Take a look at the Highway 85 Homestead [link to listing].

US 85 corridor aerial; property boundary outline

And if you own ground in Laramie County and are wondering what this growth means for you, call me. I am glad to talk it through, whether you are buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on the neighborhood.

Holly Allison, Associate Broker, #1 Properties Ranch and Recreation, 307.631.1876

Project details are drawn from public reporting as of October 2026 and may change. This post is general information, not legal, tax, or zoning advice.

Sources

Consulted October 14, 2026.

Project files: Cheyenne MLS 102311; LandGate parcel report; Laramie County assessor records (R0062844, R0037682); appraisal by Appraise Wyoming, Inc. (job 26-0606MJ) and comparable sale addenda; Wyoming State Engineer’s Office permit P92304.0W; listing photography.

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