Research Summary. Costco Wholesale has solidified its status as a leading global retailer. Operating a vast network of membership warehouses, Costco provides high-quality brand-name products at competitive prices. Our data analysis team has compiled the following updated statistics to reflect Costco’s growth and performance as of 2026:
-
Costco boasts 848 locations worldwide, with 584 in the United States.
-
As of early 2026, Costco has approximately 123 million members.
-
The company employs over 304,000 individuals, with around 203,000 based in the U.S.
-
Costco generates $222.7 billion in annual revenue.
-
Ranked as the sixth-largest retailer globally, Costco stands as the third-largest in the U.S., following Walmart and Amazon.
For further analysis, we have categorized the data into the following segments:
Stores | Customers | Region | Trends
Costco Annual Revenue 2011-2022
| Year | Revenue (Billions) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $223B |
| 2021 | $196B |
| 2020 | $166B |
| 2019 | $152B |
| 2018 | $138B |
| 2017 | $126B |
| 2016 | $116B |
| 2015 | $113B |
| 2014 | $110B |
| 2013 | $102B |
| 2012 | $97B |
| 2011 | $87B |
Costco Company Statistics
Founded in 1976 in San Diego, Costco initially served small businesses before expanding its model to include individual consumers. This strategic shift allowed Costco to grow rapidly, achieving $3 billion in sales within six years. The company’s commitment to simplicity and customer satisfaction continues to drive its success, as illustrated by the following data:
-
Costco operates 848 warehouses globally.
In the U.S. and Puerto Rico, there are 584 locations. Other notable markets include Canada with 107 locations, the UK with 29, Taiwan with 14, Korea with 18, Japan with 31, Mexico with 40, Australia with 14, and various locations across Europe, including Spain, France, and China.
-
Costco experienced a growth rate of 9.2% between 2019 and 2020.
This growth trajectory aligns with historical data, showcasing consistent increases year over year.
-
Costco is recognized for offering the highest average pay in retail, with hourly workers earning around $20.
Employee benefits begin shortly after hire, with full-time staff receiving health benefits after 90 days. Additionally, Costco’s 401(k) plan is considered generous.
-
In the first quarter of FY2023, Costco reported net sales of $53.44 billion, a notable increase from $49.42 billion the previous year.
Net sales for the previous fiscal year reached $222.7 billion, marking a 16% increase from $196 billion in FY2021.
-
Costco’s stock (NASDAQ: COST) showed an annual percentage change of 18.43% in 2021, with an average stock price of $376.50.
Costco’s stock experienced a high of $452.89 in August 2021, with the average price for the last year standing at $372.27.
Costco Store Statistics
Costco maintains a global presence, with the majority of its warehouses in the U.S., followed by Canada and Mexico. The company continues to expand, with several new warehouses planned for 2026.
Costco’s sales strategy diverges from traditional retail practices: the retailer does not engage in advertising, provide product location assistance, or offer bags, yet remains a top player in the industry. Here are some key store statistics:
-
Costco’s warehouse sizes range from 80,000 to 230,000 square feet, averaging 146,000 square feet.
-
Costco’s retail sales surged by nearly 17% in July 2021.
For July 2021, net sales reached $15.21 billion, up from $13.04 billion the previous year.
-
Kirkland Signature Bath Tissue is Costco’s top-selling item, with over a billion rolls sold annually, generating around $400 million in revenue.
Other leading products include Costco’s rotisserie chicken, bacon, hot dogs, and gasoline.
Costco Customer Statistics
Costco transforms warehouse shopping into a delightful experience for customers, attracting a loyal and diverse clientele. The product range is extensive, including items from groceries to electronics, jewelry, and more. Here are insights into Costco’s customer demographics:
-
The average Costco customer purchases about nine items, spending $114 per trip.
Costco members typically visit the store around 23 times a year, with about 11% of their total spending occurring at Costco, comparable to average Amazon expenditures.
-
The typical Costco shopper is an Asian American woman aged 35 to 44 with a college degree and an income exceeding $125,000.
Other significant demographics include shoppers over 65, Hispanic, and Caucasian individuals. About 54% of Costco members have children, indicating family-oriented shopping.
Costco Regional Statistics
Costco’s headquarters are located in Issaquah, Washington. The largest Costco warehouse, now in Salt Lake City, measures 235,000 square feet.
Costco’s extensive presence across the U.S. is highlighted by the following data:
-
Costco operates in 46 out of 50 states, including Washington D.C.
The states without Costco locations are Maine, Rhode Island, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
-
California leads with the most Costco stores, housing 131 locations.
Texas follows with 33 stores, while Washington has 32, and Florida and Illinois have 28 and 23, respectively.
Costco Trends and Predictions
As a prominent player in the global retail sector, Costco’s future appears bright. The company’s competitive edge stems from its low markup strategy and high membership renewal rate, which stands at nearly 91% in the U.S. This consistent renewal contributes to reliable revenue streams.
Costco Membership Fee Revenue 2009-2020
| Year | Revenue (Billions) |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $3.54 |
| 2019 | $3.35 |
| 2018 | $3.14 |
| 2017 | $2.85 |
| 2016 | $2.65 |
| 2015 | $2.53 |
| 2014 | $2.43 |
| 2013 | $2.25 |
| 2012 | $2.08 |
| 2011 | $1.87 |
| 2010 | $1.69 |
| 2009 | $1.53 |
-
Costco’s e-commerce sales surged by 75.8% in a single quarter in 2021.
This figure does not encompass Costco’s third-party same-day grocery program, which saw a remarkable 450% increase year-over-year. Popular e-commerce categories include health and beauty, garden and patio, and electronics.
-
In 2022, Costco opened over 20 new stores and plans to add about 10 more in 2023.
These locations are distributed globally, with approximately half situated in the U.S.
Costco FAQ
-
What percentage of the wholesale club market does Costco have?
Costco commands 55.5% of the wholesale club market. This figure has remained stable between 52-56% in recent years, with Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale capturing 36.2% and 8.3%, respectively.
-
What is the busiest Costco in the world?
The Iwelei Costco on Oahu Island, Hawaii, holds the title for the busiest Costco. With approximately 1 in 4 residents being members, it’s evident why this location sees high foot traffic, generating more than double the average revenue of a typical Costco.
-
How much does one Costco make a day?
On average, a Costco makes $526,000 daily. With annual sales per warehouse around $192 million, each location earns over half a million dollars each day.
-
Why is Costco brand called Kirkland?
The Kirkland brand was named after Costco’s headquarters in Kirkland, Washington, when it was introduced in 1992. The headquarters moved to Issaquah, Washington, in 1994.
-
How many people have a Costco membership?
Approximately 123 million individuals hold a Costco membership, equating to about 68.1 million households globally.
Conclusion
Costco Wholesale has successfully navigated the complexities of the retail environment, driving revenue and demonstrating impressive growth. With billions in profits and a loyal customer base, Costco continues to innovate and adapt to future trends. This retail giant attracts a diverse range of members, solidifying its position as a formidable competitor in the marketplace.
Sources
-
NY Job Source. “Costco: Nation’s leading chain of wholesale club stores.” Accessed on August 19, 2021
-
Finbox. “Revenue CAGR (5y) for Costco Wholesale Corporation.” Accessed on August 19, 2021.
-
Costco Wholesale. “Costco Wholesale Corporation Reports Third Quarter and Year-To-Date Operating Results for Fiscal 2021.” Accessed on August 19, 2021.
-
MacroTrends. “Costco – 35 Year Stock Price History | COST.” Accessed on August 19, 2021.
-
MarketWatch. “Costco’s Sales for July Retail Month Rise Almost 17%.” Accessed on August 19, 2021.
-
Fox Business. “Costco’s top 5 best sellers in the US.” Accessed on August 19, 2021.
-
Insider. “Meet the typical Costco shopper, a 39-year-old Asian American woman earning more than $125,000 a year.” Accessed on August 19, 2021.
-
Numerator. “Costco Numerator Retailer Snapshot.” Accessed on August 19, 2021.
-
Costco Wholesale. “Warehouses By State.” Accessed on August 19, 2021.
-
Winsight Grocery Business. “Costco’s E-Commerce Explosion.” Accessed on August 19, 2021.
-
The Motley Fool. “This is Why 2021 Will Be Another Great Year for Costco.” Accessed on August 19, 2021.
-
Statista. “Revenue of Costco Worldwide From 2017 to 2021, By Region.” Accessed on March 2, 2023.
-
Costco. “Company Profile.” Accessed on March 2, 2023.
-
Costco. “Costco Wholesale 2022 Annual Report.” Accessed on March 2, 2023.
-
Costco. “New Locations Coming Soon.” Accessed on March 2, 2023.
-
Costco. “Costco Wholesale Corporation Reports First Quarter Fiscal Year 2023 Operating Results.” Accessed on March 2, 2023.
Author
Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.
