A mysterious humming noise has been reported in neighborhoods across several US states, rattling homes and leaving residents struggling to sleep.
The latest reports come from Vineland, New Jersey, where locals say the sound began after construction started on a massive 2.5-million-square-foot data center, though officials have not confirmed a direct link.
Residents say the constant noise is disrupting daily life. ‘That is not construction, and that monstrosity is only partially built,’ Scott Montgomery told ABC 6. ‘It is infringing on our peace of mind and our tranquility.’
Similar complaints have surfaced in parts of Virginia, home to hundreds of data centers, and in Connecticut earlier this year, though officials in those areas have yet to identify a confirmed source.
Experts noted that data centers can produce continuous low-frequency humming caused by powerful cooling systems and electrical equipment operating around the clock.
Thousands of servers generate intense heat, requiring large fans and chillers that can produce noise levels between 55 and 85 decibels, often described as a low-pitched roar capable of traveling long distances.
‘It’s not even fully built yet. That’s the scary part,’ Montgomery added.
‘If it sounds like this now, what’s it going to be like when everything’s up and running?’
The latest reports come from Vineland, New Jersey, where locals say the sound began after construction started on a massive 2.5-million-square-foot data center
Cumberland County Department of Health has acknowledged the noise concerns in the New Jersey town, noting it does not play a role in planning, zoning, or approving construction projects.
The agency added that it will investigate the construction site to determine if it is the source of the noise.
‘If our inspectors find that noise levels are higher than those allowed under the code, we follow the enforcement guidelines under which a penalty may be issued if compliance is not obtained within a certain timeframe,’ the agency shared on Facebook.
‘While the Cumberland County Department of Health does not have the legal authority to shut down a facility, we do work collaboratively with those involved to resolve any confirmed violations of the Noise Control Act.’
The 2.4 million-square-foot data center is being built on South Lincoln Avenue and is owned by the company Data One.
In a statement, the company said the facility is complying with local regulations.
‘Our site is operating in full compliance with Vineland City noise ordinance limits,’ the company said. ‘We will continue deploying sound reduction measures to minimize any impact on our neighbors.’
While authorities have yet to blame the data center for the noise, locals are sure it is the source.
The 2.4 million-square-foot data center is being built on South Lincoln Avenue and is owned by the company Data One
One local shared on social media: ‘I live about two miles away, and it’s definitely there. Sounds like a huge engine idling all the time.’
Montgomery, who lives about a half a mile from the facility, said: ‘It keeps you up at night, as you can hear it coming through the house.’
Another local, Theresa Lewis, expressed the same concern, saying that even when her doors and windows are closed, she still hears a constant humming.
‘It’s like someone is using some type of machinery around my house,’ Lewis told ABC 6.
Montgomery posted a video of the noise on social media. In the recording, a humming sound can be heard.
‘We’re afraid it’s even going to get worse, so it’s just maddening to listen to this all the time. It’s hard to fall asleep at night,’ he said.
Similar reports from Connecticut surfaced earlier this year, but locals said they have been bothered by a humming noise since 2020.
A persistent low-frequency hum has disrupted life in West Haven, with residents describing the sound as both mysterious and, at times, unbearable.
Similar reports from Connecticut surfaced earlier this year, but locals said they have been bothered by a humming noise since 2020
After collecting more than 140 signatures on a petition, residents persuaded city leaders to approve $16,000 to hire an independent acoustic firm to investigate the source, which many believe may be linked to nearby industrial activity.
‘For years, our community has been plagued by a constant or intermittent humming noise and low-frequency vibrations affecting multiple areas of town,’ the petition notes. ‘This disturbing phenomenon occurs at all hours, disrupting our ability to sleep, concentrate and enjoy life to its fullest.
‘Many residents have reported increased levels of stress, anxiety and physical discomfort due to this incessant noise and vibration.’
While Connecticut authorities have yet to confirm the source, there are several data centers near West Haven, primarily in nearby New Haven, Wallingford, and the surrounding southern Connecticut area.
Lumen New Haven Data Center is about three to five miles from West Haven, while Fibertech Networks is about four miles away, and Cloudsmart Data Center and ChimeNet Data Center are up to 20 miles from the town.
West Haven Commissioner of Human Services John Carrano shared that the City Council approved a $16,000 budget to hire a third-party acoustics firm to pinpoint the source of the 24/7 noise
Similar humming complaints have emerged across parts of Virginia, where hundreds of large data centers operate around the clock.
Residents have described hearing a deep, low-frequency buzz, sometimes accompanied by vibrations, fueling speculation about whether expanding data center infrastructure could be contributing to the unexplained noise.
Dale Brown from Great Oak told WUSA9: ‘We’re about 700 feet from the data center right here. It’s just really, really loud.’
Residents living near the Amazon Web Services data center in Manassas and nearby facilities report both a persistent hum and low rumbling sounds that have sparked ongoing complaints.
Local Roger Yackel said: ‘These data centers are loud, noisy beasts and they are being built too close to residential areas. That’s not something that we should have to live with.’
John Lyver, a retired NASA analyst, has begun tracking noise coming from data centers near his neighborhood.
‘I’m finding that the noise is far worse than anybody ever figured it was going to be,’ he said.
