Parth Vataliya
One of the well-known convenience store chains in the USA and operating around the globe in many countries, 7-Eleven, Inc., was founded in 1927 in Dallas, Texas. Almost 10 decades later, it has expanded with over 13K stores across the USA and Canada. The company’s strategic acquisitions and expansion moves have rewarded it favorably. It operates 85K stores across 19 countries and various brands/banners.
From Speedway® and Laredo Taco Company® to Stripes® and Slurpee®, 7-Eleven’s portfolio consists of iconic brands and some of the household names. Its franchise model, along with its strong brand name, has led the company to push boundaries in the convenience store sector.
Today, it is a wholly owned subsidiary of Seven-Eleven Japan. Their philosophy can be understood clearly in the statement made by their Founder, Joe C. Thompson Jr, who said– “Give the customers what they want, when and where they want it”. Even after being in business for over 95 years, their philosophy has not changed, and currently under the leadership of CEO Joseph M. DePinto, the store is set to open 1300 new stores in North America by 2030.
For Businesses looking to compete with this giant or considering joining the legacy with the franchise of 7-Eleven, understanding how many stores it operates in the USA is critical for analyzing profitability, growth potential, and even competitive factors at play.
Let’s explore how 7-Eleven has strategically positioned itself across the nation and what this distribution tells us about both the company’s strategy and America’s convenience store landscape.
Quick Statistics
- As of May 22, 2025, 7-Eleven has 9,457 stores across the United States.
- The company operates in 40 states and territories across America.
- 7-Eleven, Inc. operates, franchises, and/or licenses more than 13,000 stores in the U.S. and Canada.
- Globally, 7-Eleven has expanded to approximately 85,000 stores across 19 countries and regions.
- California leads all states with 1,885 stores, representing about 20% of all U.S. locations.
- The top three states (California, Texas, and Florida) account for 46% of all U.S. 7-Eleven stores.
- Las Vegas, Nevada, has the highest number of 7-Eleven stores among U.S. cities, with 162 locations.
- There are 16 states and territories in the U.S. that currently have no 7-Eleven locations.
- Virginia has the highest per-capita 7-Eleven presence with one store for every 11,000 residents.
Interesting Fact: Initially named “Tote’m Stores” with distinctive totem poles outside its locations, the company was renamed 7-Eleven in 1946 to highlight its extended operating hours from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week
Top 10 States and Territories with the Most 7-Eleven Stores
California leads with the highest number of 7-Eleven stores in the United States. Next are Texas and Florida.
Here’s the breakdown of the top 10 states that have 7-Eleven store locations:
California
California tops the list with 1885 7-Eleven stores. Recently, the latest IMF data showed that California’s GDP has surpassed Japan to become the 4th largest globally. No wonder brands flock to California. 7-Eleven also operates its maximum stores in the state of California, with 1885 stores. This roughly represents 20% of all 7-Eleven’s USA stores. California is a key strategic place for many brands and international chains. Major cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, with ultra-urban populations, are conducive to brands that operate coffee chains or modern convenience stores. Even in future expansion plans, California remains a top spot for 7-Eleven.
Texas
With 1453 stores, Texas bags the second spot when it comes to 7-Eleven stores. This accounts for 15% of the total 7-Eleven stores in the USA. The store count can be attributed to major metropolitan cities like Dallas, Houston, and Austin. Accounting for approximately 15% of all 7-Eleven locations in the United States. With a population of around 31 million, Texas averages one 7-Eleven store for every 22K residents.
Florida
Florida’s 1019 stores make it the third place for 7-Eleven stores. Around 11% of the total USA stores of 7-Eleven are in Florida state. With cities like Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville, Florida offers a lucrative market for 7-Eleven and such convenience store chains. Florida’s tourism focus, urban population, high-traffic areas, and growing demand for convenience stores make it a popular destination for big brands. With approximately 23.8 million residents, Florida averages one 7-Eleven store for every 23K people.
Virginia
Virginia ranks fourth in the states with the highest 7-Eleven stores across the USA. With 784 stores, Virginia is home to over 8% of the total stores operated by 7-Eleven in the USA. With a population of approximately 8.88 million, Virginia has one of the highest per-capita 7-Eleven store locations at one store for every 11K residents. When compared to other convenience store competitors in Virginia, 7-Eleven has more stores.
New York
New York holds the fifth spot with 584 stores covering 6% of the 7-Eleven locations in the country. With 19.45 million people living there, the state has about one store for every 33,310 people. While this is fewer stores per person than some other leading states, New York is still an important market for the brand. Most stores are found in big cities around the New York City metro area.
Colorado
Colorado has 373 7-Eleven stores, which account for 4% of all U.S. locations. With a population of 5.76 million, there is one store for every 15,440 residents. This shows that 7-Eleven has a pretty solid presence in the state.
Maryland
Maryland holds 4% of all 7-Eleven stores in the U.S., with 367 locations across the state. Maryland has about 6.05 million people living there, which means there is one 7-Eleven for every 16K residents. This shows how much the company has settled into the Mid-Atlantic area.
New Jersey
New Jersey has 335 7-Eleven stores, constituting approximately 4% of the total across the U.S. The state has about 8.88 million residents, with one store serving 26K people. This shows a fair level of market concentration in New Jersey, a state with a dense population.
Illinois
Illinois has 293 7-Eleven locations. That is 3% of all stores across the country. Its population of 12.67 million means there is one 7-Eleven for every 43K people. This shows there could still be space to open more stores in this big Midwestern state.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania takes the tenth spot with 284 7-Eleven stores, also accounting for about 3% of the total in the U.S. With 12.80 million residents, Pennsylvania has one store for every 45K people. This suggests there might be fewer 7-Eleven locations per person than in states higher on the list.
States and Territories without 7-Eleven Outlets
As of May 2025, there are 16 states and territories in the United States without any 7-Eleven stores. These locations include:
- American Samoa
- Guam
- Montana
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Northern Mariana Islands
- North Dakota
- Minnesota
- Puerto Rico
- Alaska
- South Dakota
- Arkansas
- Alabama
- Nebraska
- Iowa
- Mississippi
- Wyoming
The absence of 7-Eleven in these states and territories can be attributed to various factors:
- Lower population density
- Geographical challenges
- Regional market preferences
- Existing competition from established local store chains
- Strategic business decisions
Many of these states (Wyoming, Montana, Alaska) have among the lowest population densities in the country. Some remote locations and difficult terrain in Alaska and island territories increase operational costs for convenience store brands. Also, States like Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota have predominantly rural populations with different shopping patterns. For island territories like American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, logistical challenges related to supply chain management may contribute to the lack of presence.
Also, the distribution pattern of 7-Eleven stores reflects a strategic focus on high-population, high-traffic areas where their business model can thrive most effectively, while leaving opportunities for regional chains and independent stores to serve markets with different characteristics.
However, with the company’s continued expansion and the Speedway acquisition, some of these markets may see 7-Eleven locations in the future as the company works to extend its national footprint.
US Cities with the Most 7-Eleven Stores
Major cities act as important hubs for 7-Eleven, and some stand out with the most locations.
Las Vegas, Nevada
It is at the top among U.S. cities with 162 7-Eleven stores. This large number matches the city’s non-stop and vibrant lifestyle, heavy tourist traffic, and the demand for convenience from both locals and visitors. The stores in Las Vegas are placed near hotels, casinos, and entertainment spots to meet the needs of the city’s always-active crowd.
Dallas, Texas
Dallas is where 7-Eleven started. Dallas takes the second spot with 130 stores of 7-Eleven. Since its founding in 1927, Dallas has remained a key region for the company. The large number of stores shows how rooted 7-Eleven is in the city’s history. Dallas also plays an ongoing role as a place to try out new products and services.
Orlando and Los Angeles
These two cities from Florida and California, respectively, hold the third spot with 119 7-Eleven stores each. Orlando’s high number of stores is linked to its booming tourism and the constant stream of people visiting its theme parks and attractions. Los Angeles, known for its wide urban spread and reliance on cars, creates the perfect conditions for 7-Eleven’s convenience-focused style of business.
Chicago
Chicago lands in fifth place with 96 7-Eleven stores. As one of the biggest metropolitan areas in the United States, Chicago serves as an important city where 7-Eleven competes with other convenience and fast-service businesses.
San Diego
Another city in California states that operates 95 7-Eleven locations. Its location by the coast military activity, and mix of neighborhoods have turned it into a key area for the brand. These stores support residents as well as tourists visiting the area.
Denver
Denver, in Colorado, runs 84 7-Eleven stores meeting the needs of its fast-growing population. The city’s rising number of residents and its role as a central hub have played a big role in the company’s continued success there.
Virginia
Virginia Beach, Virginia features 80 7-Eleven stores, which is a lot for a city of its size. This large number shows how established 7-Eleven is in Virginia and highlights the company’s focus on catering to areas along the coast.
Conclusion
Whether you’re craving a Slurpee in California or need a quick coffee in Virginia, 7-Eleven’s iconic red and green sign has become a fixture of American convenience culture. 7-Eleven’s strategic expansion tells a fascinating story of American convenience store location strategies. Whether you’re a market analyst, a potential franchisee, or a business requiring retail distribution patterns strategy of 7-Eleven, this analysis is helpful for your purpose.
This analysis was compiled using comprehensive data collection and processing services from iWebScraping Services. If your business requires detailed market intelligence, competitor analysis, or location data for the retail sector or any other industry, our team can deliver custom data solutions tailored to your specific needs.
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