The Current Number of Storage Facilities Across America
The United States has roughly 50,000 to 55,000 self-storage facilities, though the exact count shifts as new buildings open and older ones close. This number comes from industry surveys and real estate databases, but it varies slightly depending on how each source defines a "facility" — whether they count only climate-controlled units, include outdoor parking, or measure by company rather than location.
The storage industry has grown steadily over the past two decades. More facilities exist now than in 2000, driven by population growth, smaller household sizes, and increased consumer spending on goods. The expansion has slowed in recent years as the market in many regions reaches saturation — meaning there are already enough units to meet local demand.
These facilities are not evenly distributed. Urban and suburban areas have far more storage options than rural regions. States with larger populations — California, Texas, Florida, New York — naturally have more facilities straightforward because more people live there. But even within those states, availability varies by city and neighborhood.
Key Takeaways
- The United States contains approximately 50,000 to 55,000 self-storage facilities, though the exact number changes as new buildings open and others close.
- Storage facility density is highest in urban and suburban areas, while rural regions typically have fewer options within driving distance.
- The industry has grown significantly since 2000 but growth has slowed in many markets as supply meets demand.
- Larger states by population have more facilities overall, but the number of units per capita varies widely by region.
- Industry counts can vary depending on whether they include climate-controlled units only, outdoor storage, or count by company versus individual location.
Why the Storage Industry Expanded So Quickly
Self-storage became a major real estate category in the 1980s and 1990s. Before that, most people stored extra belongings in basements, attics, or garages. As houses got smaller relative to the amount of stuff people owned, and as people moved more frequently for work, storage units filled a gap.
The 2008 financial crisis actually accelerated growth. When people lost homes or downsized, they rented storage units to hold furniture and possessions while they figured out their next move. That demand never fully disappeared, and it created a permanent market segment.
Rising real estate prices in cities also pushed the industry forward. Developers realized they could build storage facilities on cheaper land on the outskirts of towns and still reach customers willing to drive 10 or 15 minutes to access their belongings. A storage facility requires less maintenance and staffing than an apartment complex, making it attractive to investors.
Regional Differences in Storage Availability
The number of storage units per capita — how many units exist for every 1,000 people — varies significantly by state and region. Some areas have one facility for every 5,000 residents, while others have one for every 15,000. This difference reflects local demand, real estate costs, and how long the storage industry has been established in that area.
The South and Southwest have seen the fastest growth in new facilities over the past decade. States like Texas, Arizona, and North Carolina added storage capacity faster than their population grew, creating more options for residents. The Northeast and Midwest, by contrast, have older, more established storage markets where growth has plateaued.
Rural areas face a genuine shortage. A person living in a small town may have only one or two facilities within 30 minutes of home, or none at all. This limits their options for size, price, and amenities like climate control or 24-hour access.
How Storage Facility Counts Are Measured
When you see a statistic about the number of storage facilities in America, it usually comes from one of a few sources: the Self Storage Association (an industry trade group), commercial real estate databases like CoStar or Zillow, or academic research. Each source may count slightly differently.
Some counts include only climate-controlled indoor units. Others include outdoor parking spaces, boat storage, and RV parking under the same umbrella. A few count by company ownership — so all 500 locations of a national chain count as one — while most count by individual address. These differences can shift the total by thousands of facilities depending on the methodology.
The most widely cited figures come from the Self Storage Association, which surveys members and estimates the total market. Their numbers are educated guesses based on real data, not a complete census, so they carry a margin of error of a few percentage points.
What the Growth Means for Renters
More facilities generally means more competition and lower prices in areas with oversupply. If your city has 20 storage companies competing for customers, you have leverage to negotiate rates or find promotions. If your town has one facility, that operator can charge more because you have nowhere else to go.
Growth also means newer buildings in many areas. Facilities built in the last five years typically have better climate control, more security features, and more flexible lease terms than older buildings. However, newer facilities often charge higher rates to recoup construction costs.
The downside of rapid expansion is that some markets now have too many units relative to demand. When supply exceeds what renters need, some facilities sit partially empty, which can lead to deferred maintenance or closures. This is less common than shortage, but it does happen in certain regions.
How to Find Storage Facilities Near You
If you need to find a storage unit, start by searching online for "storage units near me" or visiting comparison sites like StorageCafe or SpareFoot, which list facilities by location and price. These sites let you filter by size, climate control, and amenities, and they often show current rates and availability.
Calling facilities directly can sometimes reveal better deals than what appears online, especially if you are willing to sign a longer lease or rent during their slower season. Many operators offer move-in specials or discounts for first-time renters that are not advertised on their websites.
If you live in a rural area with limited options, consider whether a portable storage container — a company that drops off a box at your home, you load it, and they store it in a warehouse — might work better than driving far to access a traditional unit.
The Future of Storage in America
Industry analysts expect the number of facilities to grow more slowly over the next decade than it did in the 2000s. Most major markets are now saturated, meaning new construction will focus on replacing older buildings or expanding in areas that still have room for growth.
Technology is changing how storage operates. Many newer facilities now offer online reservations, digital locks, and 24-hour access via app rather than requiring you to visit in person or call during business hours. These upgrades appeal to renters but require higher investment, so they tend to appear in newer or recently renovated buildings.
Climate change and extreme weather are also shaping the industry. Facilities in flood-prone or hurricane-prone areas are adding better drainage and reinforced structures. This makes climate-controlled storage more valuable in regions with temperature swings or high humidity, which may drive demand for those units specifically.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many storage units are there per person in the United States?
With roughly 50,000 to 55,000 facilities and a U.S. population of about 330 million, there is approximately one facility for every 6,000 to 6,600 people. However, this is an average — urban areas have far more units per capita than rural areas, so the real ratio depends on where you live.
Which state has the most storage facilities?
California and Texas have the most facilities in absolute numbers because they have the largest populations. However, some smaller states may have more units per capita. The exact ranking shifts year to year as new facilities open and old ones close.
Is the storage industry still growing?
Growth has slowed compared to the 2000s and 2010s, but new facilities are still being built, particularly in fast-growing suburbs and smaller cities. Many established urban markets are no longer adding capacity because demand is already met.
Why do some areas have so many storage facilities close together?
Competition drives clustering. When one facility opens in a growing area, others follow because they see demand. This can result in multiple storage companies on the same street or within a few blocks, each trying to capture market share through price or service differences.
Can I find storage units in rural areas?
Rural areas typically have fewer options, and you may need to drive 20 to 45 minutes to reach a facility. If your town has no local storage, portable container services or renting from a private owner (through classified ads or word of mouth) may be your only alternatives.