<ARTICLE>  5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the audited
consolidated financial statements of McLeodUSA Incorporated and subsidiaries for
the year ended December 31, 1999 and is qualified in its entirety by reference
to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>                       1,000

                                   
<PERIOD-TYPE>                      12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                               DEC-31-1999
<PERIOD-START>                                  JAN-01-1999
<PERIOD-END>                                    DEC-31-1999
<CASH>                                              326,856
<SECURITIES>                                        934,111
<RECEIVABLES>                                       225,219
<ALLOWANCES>                                         41,415
<INVENTORY>                                          27,461
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                  1,569,473
<PP&E>                                            1,442,579
<DEPRECIATION>                                      172,547
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                    4,203,147
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                               296,679
<BONDS>                                           1,763,775
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                             1,000,000
<PREFERRED>                                              12
<COMMON>                                              1,576
<OTHER-SE>                                        1,106,954
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                      4,203,147
<SALES>                                             908,792
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                    908,792
<CGS>                                               457,085
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                       457,085
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                    562,970
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     20,412
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                  136,868
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                    (220,282)
<INCOME-TAX>                                              0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                (220,282)
<DISCONTINUED>                                            0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                           0
<CHANGES>                                                 0
<NET-INCOME>                                       (220,282)
<EPS-BASIC>                                           (1.61)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                         (1.61)