When it comes to warehouse clubs and bulk shopping, Costco stands as an unrivaled giant in the retail landscape. From groceries to electronics to home goods, Costco offers exceptional value to its millions of members.
But as we move into 2025, how extensive is Costco’s U.S. presence, and where does its influence run deepest?
Let’s explore the current number of stores, regional concentrations, growth strategies, and what the future holds for investors and businesses alike.

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How Many Costco Stores Are There in the United States?

As of 2025, there are 629 Costco stores operating across the United States.

Despite its massive size, Costco continues to expand carefully, prioritizing saturation in key markets and global expansion while maintaining its strong U.S. foundation.

Top 10 States with the Most Costco Stores

Insights from the Top 10 States with the Most Costco Stores

• California holds the lion’s share with 142 locations — no surprise, given the state's massive consumer base, suburban sprawl, and high household incomes ideal for bulk buying.
• Texas continues to grow rapidly with 42 warehouses, thanks to surging suburban expansion in cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin.
• Washington, Costco’s founding state, maintains a strong density with 34 stores — almost one store per 224,000 residents, showcasing massive brand loyalty.
• Florida’s 34 stores highlight the company's success in targeting rapidly growing retiree and family populations needing bulk household and grocery products.
• New Jersey and Virginia both reflect how densely populated states value Costco's warehouse model in areas where land prices are high.
• Arizona, Illinois, and Michigan emphasize Costco's adaptability in both Sun Belt and Midwest markets.

📈 Summary Insight:
Costco’s top states share key traits: high median incomes, expanding suburbs, and strong vehicle ownership — all factors critical for a successful warehouse club model.

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States and Territories Without Any Costco Stores

Costco has yet to establish stores in the following 7 areas:

• West Virginia
• Wyoming
• American Samoa
• Guam
• Rhode Island
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Northern Mariana Islands

Several factors contribute to these gaps: limited population size, high logistics costs, or proximity to larger urban Costco locations in nearby states.

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Top 10 Cities with the Most Costco Stores

Insights from the Top 10 Cities

• Phoenix, San Jose, and San Diego each have five stores, reflecting Costco’s dominance in high-growth, affluent urban markets in the West.
• Sacramento and South San Francisco highlight Costco’s stronghold in Northern California's suburban corridors.
• Anchorage’s four stores show that even geographically isolated regions can support multiple Costco locations when bulk shopping is a lifestyle necessity.
• Houston, Albuquerque, Indianapolis, and Atlanta demonstrate Costco’s growing reach into large, diverse metro areas beyond just the West Coast.

📈 Summary Insight:
Costco's footprint aligns with fast-growing metros, high vehicle ownership rates, and large family households — the perfect demographic for bulk shopping.

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Total Costco Stores Impact on the U.S. Market

The Power of Membership-Driven Retail

Costco’s unique membership model — requiring annual fees ($60/year for basic, $120/year for executive) — ensures high customer loyalty and predictable revenue.
In 2025, Costco boasts:

• Over 70 million U.S. memberships,
• Renewal rate of 92%, among the highest in retail.

Costco’s value proposition is unbeatable: high-quality goods, bulk savings, and exclusive brands like Kirkland Signature.

Omni-Category Dominance

Costco thrives across multiple product categories:

• Groceries
• Electronics
• Apparel
• Pharmacy and Optical
• Tires and Automotive Services
• Travel packages and Insurance

This diversification reduces vulnerability to economic cycles and strengthens brand stickiness.

Analyzing Costco's U.S. Growth Trajectory

Past 10 Years of Expansion (2015–2025)

• 2015: ~480 stores
• 2020: ~550 stores
• 2025: 629 stores

While growth may seem slower than other retail chains, Costco prioritizes prime real estate, long-term success, and operational efficiency over rapid mass openings.

Strategic Expansion Plans

Investor Insights: Costco’s 2025 Vision

Strengths

• High profitability: Costco generates more revenue per square foot ($1,620) than any U.S. retailer.
• Incredible loyalty: Renewals and word-of-mouth reduce customer acquisition costs.
• Operational efficiency: Minimal SKU count reduces overhead and maximizes volume purchasing power.

Opportunities

• Expand into smaller suburban and semi-rural towns (still underserved),
• Enhance private label expansion via Kirkland Signature,
• Leverage AI and data to optimize inventory and layout strategies.

📈 Costco's slow, deliberate expansion has made it one of the most resilient retailers in the world, especially during inflationary periods where consumers seek value and consistency.

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Conclusion

As of 2025, Costco remains an unbeatable force in American retail — blending unbeatable value, strong membership loyalty, and careful geographic expansion.
Its smart, long-term-focused real estate strategy ensures continued relevance in a dynamic retail environment.

How xMap's Insights Help Retailers and Investors

Using xMap’s Polygon AI, businesses can:

• Identify suburban areas with the highest demand for bulk retail,
• Analyze existing member household concentrations,
• Optimize new store locations based on demographic trends and road accessibility,
• Predict future high-traffic zones using real-time geospatial insights.

Discover how xMap unlocks smarter retail expansion opportunities

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