Helios data center workforce housing in Afton and Dickens County
Last updated 2026-10-19 · Facts as published by the sources listed below. We are not affiliated with this project.
Project facts
| Location | Afton area, Dickens County · Texas Panhandle |
|---|---|
| Campus | Galaxy Digital’s Helios, more than 1.6 GW approved capacity [1] |
| Workforce community | Operated by Target Hospitality near Afton [2] |
| Capacity | From 250 beds to up to 1,050 people after a second 400-bed expansion; can grow to 1,500 [3] |
| Contract | About $49 million committed minimum revenue for the second expansion (June 2026 – May 2028), more than $130 million total [3] |
| Schedule | Second expansion targeted for completion by June 2026 [3] |
Where crews live today
Operator community
Lodging, dining, gym, laundry, and recreation under a multi-year contract. [2]
Lubbock
The nearest large lodging market, a long daily drive.
Own units
For subs and service companies outside the operator contract.
Option 3: own your beds
Hotels, RV parks, and operator camps are all rentals. The third option is to own crew units on land you lease or buy near the work, then move or resell them at the end. Three things decide whether it works:
Land
A level, drained site with truck access for 16 ft wide loads. Leased ranch or industrial land near the gate is common.
Permits: city vs. county
Outside city limits, Dickens County has more limited zoning power, but on-site sewage facilities (septic) need permits under TCEQ rules administered locally, subdivision or plat rules can apply, and fire and road access still matter. Housing three or more workers for more than three days can also trigger a TDHCA Migrant Labor Housing Facility license in some cases; ask counsel how it applies to your crew.
Utilities
Water (city, well, or hauled), wastewater (sewer, septic, or holding tanks), and power service sized for every room’s PTAC and water heater. See what a camp needs.
Cost comparison
| Option | Published cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel at the GSA Dickens County (standard rate) rate | $113 / night ≈ $3,435 / month per worker | Federal FY2027 lodging rate; actual rates rise with demand |
| Operator camp | Contract rate per bed | Often bundled services and multi-year minimums |
| Owned crew units | Run the calculator | Units, freight and set, site work, minus resale. See cost per bed |
Planning mix
- Remote crew of 50: 10 × 5-bed crew units with shared kitchens
- Catered crew: 7-room sleepers plus a dining building
Units: 16×76 5-Bed, 5-Bath Crew Unit (Shared Kitchen)16×76 5-Room Sleeper (No Kitchen)7-Room High-Density Sleeper16×76 4-Suite Unit (Four Full Kitchens)
Delivery
Afton is about 335 miles from Seguin, TX in a straight line; road miles are longer. Units travel as 16 ft wide oversize loads with permits. Delivery lead time depends on whether units are in stock or need a build slot. Ask us for a current timeline to Dickens County.
Common questions
How many beds is the Afton data center community?
It was expanded to support up to 1,050 people and can grow to 1,500, per the operator’s Feb. 24, 2026 release.
Who runs it?
Target Hospitality, as reported by Bloomberg (via Insurance Journal, Mar 6, 2026). We are not involved.
How fast can crew units be set up near Afton / Dickens Co.?
Units can be delivered once pads, access, and utilities are ready, and site work usually sets the schedule. Lead times depend on stock and build slots; ask us for a current timeline.
Can I own crew housing near Afton / Dickens Co. instead of renting?
Yes, if you can lease or buy land and permit it. Compare owning with hotels at the GSA rate ($113 a night) in the break-even calculator.
Sources
- Galaxy, Data center infrastructure (Helios) (checked Oct 2026)
- Insurance Journal (Bloomberg), “AI ‘Man Camps’ Offer Golf, Free Steaks to Lure Workers in Texas” (Mar 6, 2026)
- Target Hospitality, “Second 400-Bed Expansion to Data Center Community” (press release) (Feb 24, 2026)
Last updated 2026-10-19. Figures are as published by each source on the date shown; re-check before you budget.
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