How Many Costcos In The US? Current Store Counts, State Rankings, And 2024-2025 Expansion Plans

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The retail landscape in the United States is dominated by a few massive players, but few command the same level of brand loyalty as Costco Wholesale. Whether it is the legendary $1.50 hot dog combo, the treasure-hunt atmosphere of the aisles, or the bulk savings on high-quality goods, Americans are consistently asking: how many costcos in the us are currently operating, and where is the next one opening?As of mid-2024, the footprint of this warehouse giant continues to grow at a steady pace. Costco is not just a store; for many, it is a lifestyle choice and a primary source for household essentials, electronics, and even gasoline. Understanding the scale of their operations provides a fascinating look into American consumer habits and the economic health of various regions across the country.In this deep dive, we will explore the exact numbers, the states with the highest density of warehouses, and the strategic moves the company is making to ensure its membership model remains the gold standard of the retail industry. Total Number of Costco Warehouses: How Many Costcos in the US Today?When looking for the definitive answer to how many costcos in the us, the number is constantly in flux due to the company’s aggressive yet calculated expansion strategy. Currently, there are over 600 Costco locations operating across the United States and Puerto Rico.This number represents the vast majority of Costco's global footprint. While the company has a significant presence in Canada, Mexico, and even parts of Asia and Europe, the United States remains the heart of its operations. The growth from a single converted hangar in San Diego back in 1976 to over 600 locations today is a testament to the sustainability of the warehouse club model.Costco typically opens between 20 and 30 new warehouses globally each year, with a significant portion of those being domestic. This steady growth ensures that the answer to how many costcos in the us increases nearly every quarter, reflecting the high demand for bulk shopping in both suburban and urban markets. Which States Have the Most Costco Locations? (The Regional Breakdown)If you are wondering how many costcos in the us are located near you, the answer largely depends on your home state. The distribution of Costco warehouses is not even; it is heavily weighted toward high-population areas and regions with high median household incomes.1. California: The Costco KingCalifornia is by far the leader in Costco locations. With over 130 warehouses, California accounts for more than 20% of the total US count. The state’s massive population and car-centric culture make it the perfect environment for the Costco model to thrive.2. Texas: The Rapidly Growing Runner-UpTexas holds the second-place spot, with over 38 locations. As the population of Texas continues to boom due to domestic migration, Costco has been quick to establish new warehouses in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin metros.3. Washington: The Home TurfWashington state, where Costco is headquartered (Issaquah), ranks very high with 33 locations. Despite having a smaller population than many other states, the brand loyalty in the Pacific Northwest is unparalleled.4. Florida and New YorkFlorida follows closely with 31 locations, catering to both a growing permanent population and a massive seasonal influx of residents. New York rounds out the top five with 19 locations, primarily concentrated in the Long Island and Westchester areas, as well as upstate hubs. The Largest Costco in the US: A Glimpse into the Salt Lake City MegastoreWhen asking how many costcos in the us, it is also worth asking about the scale of these individual buildings. While the average Costco warehouse is approximately 146,000 square feet, there is one location that dwarfs them all.The Salt Lake City, Utah warehouse is currently the largest Costco in the world, spanning a staggering 235,000 square feet. This location is unique because it serves as a hybrid between a standard warehouse and a Costco Business Center.This massive footprint allows the store to carry an even wider variety of items, including specialized industrial kitchen equipment and bulk items specifically packaged for small business owners. It serves as a blueprint for how Costco can maximize efficiency in markets where land is available and demand is exceptionally high. Why Some States Still Have Very Few (or Zero) Costco LocationsWhile the question of how many costcos in the us reveals a massive number, there are still parts of the country where a "Costco run" requires a multi-hour drive. Currently, only a handful of states have zero Costco warehouses, including West Virginia, Wyoming, and Rhode Island.The reason for this comes down to Costco’s strict demographic requirements. The company typically looks for:High Population Density: A large enough "trade area" to support a high-volume warehouse.Income Levels: Costco memberships are most popular among households with higher-than-average disposable income.Logistics Infrastructure: Proximity to existing distribution centers to keep shipping costs low and prices competitive.As the company optimizes its supply chain, we are seeing them enter smaller markets that were previously overlooked, suggesting that the list of "Costco-less" states will continue to shrink in the coming years.

The Difference Between Standard Warehouses and Costco Business CentersWhen researchers count how many costcos in the us, they often group two different types of stores together. However, there is a distinct difference between the "Standard Warehouse" and the "Business Center."Standard Warehouses: These are the stores most people know. they focus on consumer goods, clothing, rotisserie chickens, and the famous food court.Costco Business Centers: There are roughly 25-30 Business Centers across the US. These stores do not have a pharmacy, optical center, or hearing aid center. Instead, they focus on items for offices, convenience stores, and restaurants. They often open much earlier (around 7:00 AM) and stock items you won't find at a regular Costco, like 5-gallon buckets of soy sauce or industrial-sized cleaning supplies.Both types of locations contribute to the total answer of how many costcos in the us, but they serve very different segments of the membership base. Membership Growth and its Impact on Store CountThe sheer number of locations is driven by a massive membership base. Costco currently boasts over 125 million cardholders worldwide. The renewal rate in the US and Canada consistently hovers around 92% to 93%, which is almost unheard of in the retail industry.This steady stream of membership fee revenue allows Costco to operate on razor-thin margins on their actual products. Because they aren't relying solely on product markups for profit, they can afford to take a long-term view on expansion. Every time you see a new location open and add to the total of how many costcos in the us, it is backed by years of data ensuring that there is a member base ready to support it from day one. How to Find the Most Accurate "Costco Near Me" InformationIf you are looking for the most current data on how many costcos in the us are near your specific location, the official Costco Warehouse Locator is the most reliable tool.While third-party maps and SEO-driven lists can provide estimates, Costco updates its official list weekly. The locator allows you to filter by:Gas StationsTire CentersFood CourtsHearing Aid CentersBusiness CentersThis is particularly useful for travelers or those moving to a new area who want to ensure their membership remains useful in their new zip code. Staying Informed on the Future of Bulk ShoppingThe question of how many costcos in the us is about more than just a number—it’s about the evolution of the American retail experience. As the company continues to expand into new territories and refine its "Business Center" model, the landscape of wholesale shopping will continue to shift.Whether you are a casual shopper looking for a weekend deal or a business owner relying on bulk supplies, staying informed on where Costco is heading next can help you plan your finances and your shopping habits more effectively.If you are interested in the latest retail trends, economic shifts, or tips on maximizing your household budget through bulk purchasing, staying connected with industry news and regional development updates is the best way to stay ahead of the curve. Exploring the growth of major retailers like Costco offers a unique window into where the economy is growing and how consumer preferences are changing in real-time. ConclusionAs we have seen, the answer to how many costcos in the us is a figure that reflects a thriving, expanding enterprise with deep roots in the American economy. With over 600 locations and a clear path toward further growth in 2025, Costco’s influence on how we shop, eat, and save is only getting stronger. From the massive megastores in Utah to the bustling warehouses in California, the "Costco Effect" remains a defining feature of the modern US retail market.