How Big Is the Self-Storage Industry in the US?

The U.S. self-storage industry is not just growing – it’s embedded in the way Americans live, move, and store their lives. With over 67,000 facilities tracked by StorTrack, the leading self-storage data platform, this sector has become one of commercial real estate’s most resilient and dynamic asset types.

Why Self-Storage Matters Now

Rising housing costs, flexible work, and life transitions such as downsizing and divorce fuel demand for self-storage. It’s a go-to solution during major life events and a lifeline for individuals and small businesses navigating change, and that demand has translated into significant growth.

Key Self-Storage Industry Stats (U.S.)

  • Facilities Tracked by StorTrack: 67,400
  • Total rentable space: 2.6 billion net rentable square feet
  • Average square feet per capita: 7.8
  • Market size: over $40 billion (est.)
  • Average Unit Cost:
    • $1.80/sf (climate-controlled), $1.30/sf (non-climate-controlled)
  • Largest Operators (REITs): Public Storage, Extra Space Storage, CubeSmart, National Storage Affiliates, Smart Stop, Global Self Storage

How the Self-Storage Market Is Structured

The U.S. self-storage industry is large, but also highly fragmented. Although national REITs dominate headlines, small regional and independent owners still account for over 56% of the self-storage market. Understanding the breakdown of operator types is key to grasping how the industry functions.

U.S. Self-Storage Market

REIT refers to a publicly traded company. Operator sizes are defined as follows: Large (30+ stores), Mid-size (5–29 stores), Small (2–4 stores), and Single (1 store).

How Much Space Does the Average American Use?

The industry benchmark is roughly 8 square feet of storage per person, but this varies widely by market. According to StorTrack data, cities like Orlando, FL, are nearing 30 square feet per capita, while dense urban markets like San Francisco are well below at 2.7 square feet per capita.

What Drives the Size of the Industry?

  1. Life Events (the “4 Ds”)

Major life transitions such as divorce, downsizing, dislocation, or death in the family often create a temporary (or ongoing) need for additional space. Storage helps people navigate these changes.

  1. Housing Pressures

With rising home prices and shrinking living spaces, especially in urban areas, many Americans don’t have enough room. Self-storage offers a flexible solution for overflow items and transitional living.

  1. E-Commerce and Small Business Use

Self-storage has become the go-to warehouse for small businesses, side hustles, and online sellers. It provides affordable space for inventory, equipment, and supplies. No long-term lease required.

  1. Remote Work and Hybrid Lifestyles

The shift to remote and hybrid work has changed how people use space. Spare rooms become offices, and garages filled with work gear. Storage helps balance work-life space, especially in smaller homes and apartments.

  1. Natural Disasters and Climate Events

With increasing floods, wildfires, and extreme weather, more people are turning to self-storage to protect their valuables during high-risk seasons. In vulnerable areas, storage is becoming a practical safeguard.

FAQ: People Also Ask

Is self-storage still a good investment in 2025?

Yes, though oversaturation in some markets requires careful underwriting. Data-driven tools like StorTrack help identify underserved areas by tracking supply, pricing, and development pipelines.

Which U.S. city has the most self-storage?

Houston, TX consistently ranks as one of the top cities by total square footage and number of facilities. But markets like Orlando, Las Vegas, and Phoenix have some of the highest per capita storage footprints.

How fast is the industry growing?

While growth slowed slightly post-pandemic, new development is still active in select markets. According to StorTrack, there are over 3,890 active development projects currently in the pipeline, adding an estimated 201 million net rentable square feet to existing stock.

TL; DR — U.S. Self-Storage Industry at a Glance

  • Over 67,400 facilities actively tracked by StorTrack
  • Estimated $40+ billion in revenue
  • 2.6 billion square feet of rentable space
  • Average of 7.8 sf/capita, but some markets exceed 30 sf/capita
  • $1.80/sf (climate-controlled), $1.30/sf (non-climate-controlled)
  • Demand driven by life transitions, housing dynamics, e-commerce growth, remote work, and extreme climate events

Why It Matters

The self-storage industry is a mirror of how Americans live today – mobile, adaptable, and navigating life with less physical space. Whether it’s a short-term bridge or a long-term solution, storage has become a familiar part of everyday life.

Want to dig into market-level data or compare trends across metros? StorTrack’s real-time platform offers the most comprehensive pricing and supply intelligence in the industry.

Looking at a deal? Researching a market? StorTrack is your go-to source for current, complete, and actionable self-storage data.
Explore now at www.StorTrack.com