Wheeler County and Pampa data center workforce housing
Last updated 2026-10-19 · Facts as published by the sources listed below. We are not affiliated with this project.
Project facts
| Location | Pampa area, Wheeler County · Texas Panhandle |
|---|---|
| Data center | Google with Intersect, in Gray and Roberts counties, co-located with more than 1 GW of wind, solar, and battery storage [2] |
| Workforce hub | About 800 acres in Wheeler County, 11 miles from the Gray County construction site [1] |
| Hub capacity | 2,500 workers, could expand to 4,500 (KFDA, Sep 2, 2026); “up to 3,500 workers” in Google’s announcement [1] |
| Rooms | Single-occupancy; six rooms to a unit with private baths, per the county judge [3] |
| Status | Under construction; about 1,000 residents expected by end of October 2026 [3] |
Where crews live today
The hub
A managed, single-occupancy community with dining and recreation. It does not house families. [3]
Pampa and Amarillo
Hotels and rentals in Pampa, and Amarillo about an hour west, for crews outside the hub.
Your own units
Subcontractors and service companies not covered by the hub can set crew units on leased private land.
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
Inside Pampa city limits, zoning and any RV park or temporary housing ordinance apply first, so start with the city planning office. Outside city limits, Wheeler County or Gray 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
Wheeler County relies on groundwater, so water supply is a first question for any new camp site. Plan for wells or hauled water, septic or holding tanks, and power service early.
Cost comparison
| Option | Published cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel at the GSA Wheeler and Gray counties (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
- Sub crew of 50: 10 × 5-bed crew units
- Service company of 20: 4 × 5-bed units or 5 × 4-suite units
- Leads: suite units with private kitchens
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
Pampa is about 428 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 Wheeler County.
Common questions
How big is the Wheeler County workforce hub?
About 800 acres. KFDA reported 2,500 workers expandable to 4,500; Google’s announcement said up to 3,500.
How far is the hub from the data center?
About 11 miles from the Gray County construction site near Pampa, per KFDA.
Can my crew stay in the hub?
That is up to the project and its contractors. If your crew is not covered, owning units on nearby private land is one option.
How fast can crew units be set up near Wheeler Co. / Pampa?
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 Wheeler Co. / Pampa 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
- KFDA NewsChannel 10, “New workforce hub for data center workers coming to Wheeler County” (Sep 2, 2026)
- KFDA NewsChannel 10, “Google, Intersect constructing new data center in Gray, Roberts counties” (Jun 5, 2026)
- High Plains Observer, “Wheeler County Judge Offers Update On Caprock Workforce Hub” (Oct 2026)
- Informed Infrastructure, Google and Intersect in Gray and Roberts counties (Caprock Workforce Hub, up to 3,500 workers) (2026)
Last updated 2026-10-19. Figures are as published by each source on the date shown; re-check before you budget.
Related
Data center workforce housing Texas project tracker Stargate AbileneVantage FrontierHaskell County data center (Maverick Workforce Hub)Childress data center workforce campGalaxy Helios (Afton)Fermi America Project MatadorGoodnight campus (Claude)IREN Sweetwater