You’ve probably seen the meme about the person who goes in for milk and leaves with a $1,500 kayak and a year’s supply of maple syrup. We laugh because it’s true. Costco isn't just a store; it's basically a national pastime.
But here’s the thing: most people think these giant warehouses are just sprinkled randomly across the map like sprinkles on a Kirkland Signature muffin. They aren't. There is a very specific, almost surgical logic behind where Costco United States locations end up.
If you live in a state like California, you probably can't throw a rock without hitting a tire center. If you're in Wyoming? Well, you're driving a long way for that rotisserie chicken.
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The Real Map of Costco United States Locations
As of early 2026, the count for Costco United States locations has climbed to approximately 639 warehouses. That’s a lot of bulk toilet paper. But the distribution is wildly uneven.
California is the undisputed heavyweight champion. With 143 stores, it accounts for nearly 22% of the entire U.S. footprint. Why? It’s not just the population. Costco targets high-income suburban pockets where people have both the disposable income to buy in bulk and the pantry space to store it.
Texas comes in second with 44 locations. It’s growing fast. In fact, if you’re looking for where the next wave of warehouses is landing, keep your eyes on the Lone Star State. Between March and April 2026 alone, new spots are slated for Liberty Hill, Forney, and New Braunfels.
Washington (the brand's home turf) and Florida are tied for third, each boasting 35 locations.
The "Costco Deserts"
It’s honestly kind of shocking that in 2026, three states still have zero Costco presence.
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- Rhode Island: They’ve come close. There were plans for a store in Cranston that fell through due to developer drama.
- West Virginia: The terrain and economic data haven't quite aligned for the Costco brass yet.
- Wyoming: Too much space, not enough people. The logistics of trucking goods to a state with fewer people than some California cities is a nightmare.
If you live in these states, you’re basically a retail nomad, trekking across state lines to the nearest hub in places like Timnath, Colorado, or Pittsburgh.
What Actually Decides a New Location?
Costco doesn't just look for "busy" areas. They look for specific "Costco-friendly" demographics. They want households making over $100,000. They want homeowners. They want families.
The company is surprisingly transparent about its growth strategy. CEO Ron Vachris recently noted a goal of opening 28 new warehouses globally this year, with a heavy focus on "infill" locations. That’s corporate-speak for putting a second or third store in a city that’s already obsessed with the first one.
Take the new West Roseville, California, location that opened in January 2026. It’s an infill. The existing Roseville store was so packed it was becoming a safety hazard. By opening a second one nearby, they don't necessarily get new members; they just make it so the old members don't have to fight a gladiatorial battle for a parking spot.
The Business Center Secret
Most people think every Costco is the same. That is a massive misconception.
Out of those 600+ Costco United States locations, about 28 are actually "Business Centers." These are different beasts entirely. You won't find free samples here. There is no clothing section. No books. No pharmacy. No $1.50 hot dog (usually).
What you will find are 18-pound briskets, commercial-grade deep fryers, and 5-gallon buckets of soy sauce. The weirdest part? Any member can shop there. You don't need a special "business" card. If you want to buy a whole roasting pig at 7:00 AM on a Tuesday, the Business Center is your best friend.
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The 2026 Expansion Reality
Costco is spending about $6.5 billion on expansion. It sounds like a lot until you realize they’re also building their first stand-alone gas station in Mission Viejo, California.
Gas is the "hook." It’s the reason you pay the membership fee. By building stand-alone stations, they’re testing a model where they can capture your fuel money even if they don't have the 15 acres required for a full warehouse.
Upcoming Openings to Watch:
- Liberty Hill, TX: March 2026 (A $62 million investment).
- South St. George, UT: March 2026.
- North Visalia, CA: April 2026.
Actionable Tips for the Smart Shopper
If you’re planning your next bulk run, don’t just head to the nearest pin on the map.
- Check for Business Centers: If you're hosting a massive graduation party or wedding, search specifically for a Business Center. The selection of drinks and snacks is 70% different from a regular warehouse.
- Avoid the "Infill" Rush: When a new location like Forney, Texas, opens, it’s going to be a madhouse for the first three months. If you’re a veteran shopper, stick to the older, established locations during this window—they’ll actually be quieter than usual.
- Monitor the "Coming Soon" Page: Costco updates its official sitemap monthly. If you’re moving, check the pipeline. A new warehouse nearby can actually boost local property values.
The geography of Costco is basically a map of the American middle class. As the population shifts toward the Sun Belt, the warehouses are following. Whether you're in a "Costco desert" or the middle of a California cluster, the strategy remains the same: high volume, low margin, and a lot of very large carts.
If you want the most up-to-date list of every single warehouse, the official Costco sitemap remains the only 100% accurate source, as third-party scrapers often lag behind on recent closures or relocations. Check the warehouse locator on their site and filter by "Business Center" to see if you have one of those hidden gems nearby. For those in Rhode Island or West Virginia, the wait continues, but the 2026-2027 pipeline suggests the brand is finally looking at smaller-format "test" stores that might eventually bridge those gaps.