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This article presents several store properties of Costco, consisting of number of stores, store ownership, and operating floor space.
We will look at Costco’s store numbers worldwide, store ownership (who owns the building and/or land), location breakdown by region, and operating floor space breakdown by region.
Let’s look at the numbers!
For other key statistics of Costco, you may find more resources on this page: Costco key stats.
Please use the table of contents to navigate this page.
Table Of Contents
Definitions And Overview
Insight & Summary of Observed Trends
Z1. Insight & Summary of Costco’s Store Numbers, Ownership, and Operating Floor Space
Store Numbers
A1. U.S., Canada, International – Store Numbers
A2. U.S., Canada, International – Store Mix
Store Ownership
B1. Ownership Numbers – Owned or Leased
B2. Ownership Mix – Owned or Leased
Operating Floor Space
C1. U.S., Canada, International – Floor Space Numbers
C2. U.S., Canada, International – Floor Space Mix
Distribution and Logistics
D1. Floor space used for distribution and logistics
Reference, Credits, and Disclosure
S1. References and Credits
S2. Disclosure
Definitions
To help readers understand the content better, the following terms and glossaries have been provided.
Operating Floor Space:Costco’s operating floor space refers to the total square footage of all active warehouse locations globally, calculated by multiplying the number of open warehouses by the average warehouse size at any given point in time. It serves as a measure of the company’s physical retail capacity and is a key operational metric for assessing sales productivity, capital deployment, and expansion progress.
In Costco’s context, each warehouse operates on a standardized format — averaging approximately 144,000 to 147,000 square feet throughout the 2014–2025 period — encompassing the selling floor, ancillary departments such as food courts, optical, pharmacy, and tire centers, as well as back-of-house storage and receiving areas.
Unlike conventional retailers that report selling square footage separately from total floor area, Costco reports total warehouse square footage as its primary space metric, reflecting the integrated nature of its layout where storage and selling functions often overlap within the same physical footprint.
Total operating floor space is therefore a straightforward function of unit count and average warehouse size, and its near-flat per-unit trajectory over the past decade underscores Costco’s deliberate commitment to format consistency — prioritizing operational standardization and supply chain efficiency over store-level customization.
Insight & Summary of Costco’s Store Numbers, Ownership, and Operating Floor Space
The following analysis consolidates the trends observed across Costco’s store numbers worldwide, store ownership, and operating floor space for the 2014–2025 period.
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Costco exercises a highly capital-intensive, defensively structured real estate strategy that heavily favors direct ownership. Between 2023 and 2025, the company owned the land and buildings for an overwhelming 79.0% of its global footprint (averaging 702 owned properties out of 888 total locations).
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This structural anomaly within the retail sector profoundly insulates Costco’s cost structure from macroeconomic rent escalations, secures long-term asset appreciation, and provides maximum flexibility for site expansion or redevelopment. The leasing of land or buildings is strictly utilized as a tactical lever—maintained at a steady 21.0% mix — to penetrate high-barrier or premium global markets where direct acquisition is structurally unfeasible.
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Geographically, the portfolio is shifting methodically toward international diversification. While the United States and Puerto Rico anchor the ecosystem with an average of 611 stores and 91 million square feet of operating floor space (dominating roughly 69% of the global mix), International (excluding Canada) is the fastest-expanding operational wing. International operations now command an average of 19.0% of total store counts and 18.6% of the global floor space mix, capturing critical new demographic cohorts.
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Furthermore, Costco’s logistics footprint demonstrates extreme operational efficiency. Dedicated distribution and logistics space averages 32 million square feet, representing just under a quarter (24.8%) of total operating space. This lean ratio confirms that Costco’s supply chain relies on high inventory velocity and cross-docking precision rather than bloated, static warehousing.
The table below combines Costco’s location results, store ownership results, and operating floor space results into a single view for the latest three fiscal years.
Costco’s Warehouse Numbers, Store Ownership, and Operating Floor Space — Averages (FY2023–FY2025)
| Metric | Numbers | Mix |
|---|---|---|
| All Regions (incl. Total) — Store Numbers and Mix | ||
| U.S. and Puerto Rico | 611 | 68.8% |
| Canada | 108 | 12.2% |
| International | 169 | 19.0% |
| Total Stores | 888 | 100.0% |
| All Store Ownership Stats (incl. Total) — Numbers and Mix | ||
| Own Land & Building | 702 | 79.0% |
| Lease Land and/or Building | 187 | 21.0% |
| Total Stores | 888 | 100.0% |
| All Operating Floor Space Stats (incl. Total, excl. Distribution) — Numbers and Mix | ||
| U.S. | 91M sq ft | 69.5% |
| Canada | 16M sq ft | 11.9% |
| International | 24M sq ft | 18.6% |
| Total Floor Space | 131M sq ft | 100.0% |
| Floor Space Used for Distribution & Logistics | ||
| Floor Space Used for Distribution & Logistics | 32M sq ft | |
| Floor Space Used for Distribution & Logistics as % of Total Floor Space | 24.8% | |
Averages cover FY2023–FY2025. Store and floor space figures rounded to nearest whole unit. Mix rounded to one decimal place.
U.S., Canada, International – Store Numbers
View data as table
Costco Store Count Breakdown by Region — All Metrics by Fiscal Year
| Fiscal Year | Total Stores | U.S. and Puerto Rico | Canada | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 663 | 468 | 88 | 107 |
| 2015 | 686 | 480 | 89 | 117 |
| 2016 | 715 | 501 | 91 | 123 |
| 2017 | 741 | 514 | 97 | 130 |
| 2018 | 762 | 527 | 100 | 135 |
| 2019 | 782 | 543 | 100 | 139 |
| 2020 | 795 | 552 | 101 | 142 |
| 2021 | 815 | 564 | 105 | 146 |
| 2022 | 838 | 578 | 107 | 153 |
| 2023 | 861 | 591 | 107 | 163 |
| 2024 | 890 | 614 | 108 | 168 |
| 2025 | 914 | 629 | 110 | 175 |
For the definition of the Costco’s operating floor space, you may refer to this section: operating floor space.
Store Numbers by Region — Averages (FY2023–FY2025)
| Metric | 3-Year Average (FY2023–FY2025) |
|---|---|
| U.S. and Puerto Rico | 611 |
| Canada | 108 |
| International | 169 |
| Total Stores | 888 |
Averages cover FY2023–FY2025. Store and floor space figures rounded to nearest whole unit. Mix rounded to one decimal place.
U.S., Canada, International – Store Mix
View data as table
Costco Store Count Mix by Region — All Metrics by Fiscal Year
| Fiscal Year | U.S. and Puerto Rico | Canada | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 70.6% | 13.3% | 16.1% |
| 2015 | 70.0% | 13.0% | 17.1% |
| 2016 | 70.1% | 12.7% | 17.2% |
| 2017 | 69.4% | 13.1% | 17.5% |
| 2018 | 69.2% | 13.1% | 17.7% |
| 2019 | 69.4% | 12.8% | 17.8% |
| 2020 | 69.4% | 12.7% | 17.9% |
| 2021 | 69.2% | 12.9% | 17.9% |
| 2022 | 69.0% | 12.8% | 18.3% |
| 2023 | 68.6% | 12.4% | 18.9% |
| 2024 | 69.0% | 12.1% | 18.9% |
| 2025 | 68.8% | 12.0% | 19.1% |
For the definition of the Costco’s operating floor space, you may refer to this section: operating floor space.
Store Numbers Mix by Region — Averages (FY2023–FY2025)
| Metric | 3-Year Average (FY2023–FY2025) |
|---|---|
| U.S. and Puerto Rico | 68.8% |
| Canada | 12.2% |
| International | 19.0% |
| Total Stores | 100.0% |
Averages cover FY2023–FY2025. Store and floor space figures rounded to nearest whole unit. Mix rounded to one decimal place.
Ownership Numbers – Owned or Leased Building and/or Land
View data as table
Costco Store Ownership Breakdown — All Metrics by Fiscal Year
| Fiscal Year | Own Land & Building | Lease Land and/or Building | Total Store Numbers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 522 | 141 | 663 |
| 2015 | 542 | 144 | 686 |
| 2016 | 568 | 147 | 715 |
| 2017 | 587 | 154 | 741 |
| 2018 | 605 | 157 | 762 |
| 2019 | 620 | 162 | 782 |
| 2020 | 629 | 166 | 795 |
| 2021 | 644 | 171 | 815 |
| 2022 | 661 | 177 | 838 |
| 2023 | 677 | 184 | 861 |
| 2024 | 703 | 187 | 890 |
| 2025 | 725 | 189 | 914 |
For the definition of the Costco’s operating floor space, you may refer to this section: operating floor space.
Store Ownership Numbers — Averages (FY2023–FY2025)
| Metric | 3-Year Average (FY2023–FY2025) |
|---|---|
| Own Land & Building | 702 |
| Lease Land and/or Building | 187 |
| Total Stores | 888 |
Averages cover FY2023–FY2025. Store and floor space figures rounded to nearest whole unit. Mix rounded to one decimal place.
Ownership Mix – Owned or Leased Building and/or Land
View data as table
Costco Store Ownership Mix — All Metrics by Fiscal Year
| Fiscal Year | Own Land & Building | Lease Land and/or Building |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 78.7% | 21.3% |
| 2015 | 79.0% | 21.0% |
| 2016 | 79.4% | 20.6% |
| 2017 | 79.2% | 20.8% |
| 2018 | 79.4% | 20.6% |
| 2019 | 79.3% | 20.7% |
| 2020 | 79.1% | 20.9% |
| 2021 | 79.0% | 21.0% |
| 2022 | 78.9% | 21.1% |
| 2023 | 78.6% | 21.4% |
| 2024 | 79.0% | 21.0% |
| 2025 | 79.3% | 20.7% |
For the definition of the Costco’s operating floor space, you may refer to this section: operating floor space.
Store Ownership Mix — Averages (FY2023–FY2025)
| Metric | 3-Year Average (FY2023–FY2025) |
|---|---|
| Own Land & Building | 79.0% |
| Lease Land and/or Building | 21.0% |
| Total Stores | 100.0% |
Averages cover FY2023–FY2025. Store and floor space figures rounded to nearest whole unit. Mix rounded to one decimal place.
U.S., Canada, International – Floor Space Numbers
View data as table
Costco Operating Floor Space Breakdown — All Metrics by Fiscal Year
| Fiscal Year | Total Floor Space | U.S. | Canada | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 95.3M sq ft | 68.1M sq ft | 12.1M sq ft | 15.1M sq ft |
| 2015 | 98.7M sq ft | 69.9M sq ft | 12.3M sq ft | 16.5M sq ft |
| 2016 | 103.2M sq ft | 73.3M sq ft | 12.6M sq ft | 17.3M sq ft |
| 2017 | 107.3M sq ft | 75.4M sq ft | 13.5M sq ft | 18.4M sq ft |
| 2018 | 110.7M sq ft | 77.5M sq ft | 13.9M sq ft | 19.3M sq ft |
| 2019 | 113.9M sq ft | 79.9M sq ft | 14.0M sq ft | 20.0M sq ft |
| 2020 | 116.1M sq ft | 81.4M sq ft | 14.3M sq ft | 20.4M sq ft |
| 2021 | 118.9M sq ft | 83.2M sq ft | 14.9M sq ft | 20.8M sq ft |
| 2022 | 122.5M sq ft | 85.4M sq ft | 15.2M sq ft | 21.9M sq ft |
| 2023 | 126.3M sq ft | 87.6M sq ft | 15.3M sq ft | 23.4M sq ft |
| 2024 | 130.9M sq ft | 91.1M sq ft | 15.5M sq ft | 24.3M sq ft |
| 2025 | 134.7M sq ft | 93.6M sq ft | 15.9M sq ft | 25.2M sq ft |
For the definition of the Costco’s operating floor space, you may refer to this section: operating floor space.
Operating Floor Space Numbers — Averages (FY2023–FY2025)
| Metric | 3-Year Average (FY2023–FY2025) |
|---|---|
| U.S. | 91M sq ft |
| Canada | 16M sq ft |
| International | 24M sq ft |
| Total Floor Space | 131M sq ft |
Averages cover FY2023–FY2025. Store and floor space figures rounded to nearest whole unit. Mix rounded to one decimal place.
U.S., Canada, International – Floor Space Mix
View data as table
Costco Operating Floor Space Mix — All Metrics by Fiscal Year
| Fiscal Year | U.S. | Canada | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 71.5% | 12.7% | 15.8% |
| 2015 | 70.8% | 12.5% | 16.7% |
| 2016 | 71.0% | 12.2% | 16.8% |
| 2017 | 70.3% | 12.6% | 17.1% |
| 2018 | 70.0% | 12.6% | 17.4% |
| 2019 | 70.1% | 12.3% | 17.6% |
| 2020 | 70.1% | 12.3% | 17.6% |
| 2021 | 70.0% | 12.5% | 17.5% |
| 2022 | 69.7% | 12.4% | 17.9% |
| 2023 | 69.4% | 12.1% | 18.5% |
| 2024 | 69.6% | 11.8% | 18.6% |
| 2025 | 69.5% | 11.8% | 18.7% |
For the definition of the Costco’s operating floor space, you may refer to this section: operating floor space.
Operating Floor Space Mix — Averages (FY2023–FY2025)
| Metric | 3-Year Average (FY2023–FY2025) |
|---|---|
| U.S. | 69.5% |
| Canada | 11.9% |
| International | 18.6% |
| Total Floor Space | 100.0% |
Averages cover FY2023–FY2025. Store and floor space figures rounded to nearest whole unit. Mix rounded to one decimal place.
Floor Space used for distribution and logistics
View data as table
Costco Floor Space for Distribution and Logistics — All Metrics by Fiscal Year
| Fiscal Year | Floor Space Used for Distribution & Logistics | Floor Space Used for Distribution & Logistics as % of Total Floor Space |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 28.0M sq ft | 24.1% |
| 2021 | 31.4M sq ft | 26.4% |
| 2022 | 31.0M sq ft | 25.3% |
| 2023 | 33.1M sq ft | 26.2% |
| 2024 | 31.9M sq ft | 24.4% |
| 2025 | 32.2M sq ft | 23.9% |
For the definition of the Costco’s operating floor space, you may refer to this section: operating floor space.
Floor Space Used for Distribution & Logistics — Averages (FY2023–FY2025)
| Metric | 3-Year Average (FY2023–FY2025) |
|---|---|
| Floor Space Used for Distribution & Logistics | 32M sq ft |
| Floor Space Used for Distribution & Logistics as % of Total Floor Space | 24.8% |
Averages cover FY2023–FY2025. Store and floor space figures rounded to nearest whole unit. Mix rounded to one decimal place.
References and Credits
1. All financial figures presented were obtained and referenced from Costco’s quarterly and annual reports published on the respective investor relations pages: Costco Investor Relations.
2. Pexels Images.
Disclosure
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