ARCO, a brand known for offering affordable, high-quality fuel, has a widespread presence across the United States. As fuel prices and convenience drive customer choices, location strategy plays a crucial role in the success of gas stations. Understanding the distribution of ARCO stations, additional services offered, and key trends can help businesses, urban planners, and investors make data-driven site selection decisions.

This article provides comprehensive insights into the number of ARCO gas stations in the U.S.A., their geographic distribution, and how geospatial data and AI-driven analysis can improve site selection for fuel retailers, real estate developers, and franchise investors.

How Many ARCO Gas Stations in the U.S.A.?

Currently, ARCO operates more than 1,800 of gas stations across multiple states, with a strong presence in Western and Southwestern states. The brand is recognized for affordable fuel pricing strategy, making it a preferred choice for budget-conscious consumers and commercial vehicle operators.

With AI-powered geospatial analysis, businesses can evaluate how ARCO stations are distributed, which locations perform best, and where new expansion opportunities exist.

Distribution of ARCO Gas Stations in the U.S.A. By States

ARCO gas stations are primarily concentrated in the Western United States, with California leading the market by a significant margin. The distribution of ARCO stations reflects the brand’s historical expansion, with a stronghold in high-demand fuel markets and urban commuter hubs. Here is a breakdown by states:

High-Density Areas

These states have the highest number of ARCO gas stations, primarily due to high population density, urban sprawl, and heavy commuter traffic.

• California (1,157 locations) – ARCO's largest market, with a strong presence in Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, driven by high fuel demand and competitive pricing.
• Washington (161 locations) – Seattle and other urban centers fuel the demand for convenient, budget-friendly fuel stations.
• Nevada (91 locations) – With Las Vegas as a key hub, ARCO capitalizes on tourism, highway travel, and regional distribution networks.
• Arizona (77 locations) – Cities like Phoenix and Tucson contribute to ARCO’s growth, with a focus on affordable gas for daily commuters and long-haul travelers.

Mid-Density Areas

These states have a moderate concentration of ARCO gas stations, often positioned along major highways and suburban areas with steady consumer demand.

• Minnesota (73 locations) – ARCO has expanded into the Midwest, focusing on Minneapolis-St. Paul metro areas.
• North Dakota (56 locations) – The state's growing energy sector and rural connectivity needs have led to increased fuel station demand.
• Oregon (47 locations) – ARCO benefits from statewide highway networks and fuel pricing advantages.
• Florida (21 locations) – A relatively new market for ARCO, with growth potential in major metro areas like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando.

Low-Density Areas

These states have a limited ARCO presence, often due to competition from established fuel brands, regulatory differences, or lower population density.

• ARCO is gradually expanding into the Midwest but faces strong competition from regional and national fuel chains. Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky have between 14-19 locations.
• ARCO has a minimal presence in the South, leaving room for future expansion. Texas, Alabama, and Louisiana have between 3-4 locations.
• States like New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, and others have only a handful of ARCO stations, likely serving as test markets for future growth.

Top 10 States with the Most ARCO Gas Stations in the U.S.A.

California leads the market, with ARCO stations strategically located near major highways, urban centers, and suburban areas. Arizona and Nevada follow, as these states have high demand for affordable fuel among commuters and logistics operators. Texas, Oregon, and Washington are emerging markets for ARCO, showing a steady increase in locations.

Additional Services Offered by ARCO Gas Stations

ARCO gas stations primarily function as fuel providers, but a small number of locations offer additional services to cater to different customer needs. Here’s a breakdown of the services available across ARCO stations in the U.S.A:

Standard Service Offering

• Gas Station Only – 1,762 ARCO locations focus solely on fuel sales, emphasizing affordability and accessibility.

Common Additional Services

• Convenience Store – 11 locations include a convenience store, providing customers with quick access to snacks, beverages, and essential travel items.
• Diesel Fuel Supplier – ARCO serves diesel vehicle owners at 10 locations, catering to trucks and commercial transport.
• Car Wash (4 locations) – Some ARCO stations feature an on-site car wash, adding value for regular commuters.

Specialized Service Combinations

These ARCO locations offer unique amenities beyond fuel:

• ATM Access (various locations) – Some stations integrate ATM services for customer convenience.
• Restaurants & Food Services – Certain locations offer deli services, fast food options, or takeout restaurants.
• Auto Repair & Parts Shops – A handful of ARCO gas stations also function as auto repair shops or include muffler shops and auto parts stores.
• Specialty Retail – Some locations offer liquor stores, tobacco shops, and even video game stores, catering to local market demands.

Opportunities for Expansion

• Increasing diesel fuel availability can help capture more commercial trucking customers.
• Enhancing convenience store presence could drive higher foot traffic and revenue per location.
• Partnering with quick-service restaurants (QSRs) could create multi-purpose fuel and dining stops, improving customer retention.

By leveraging AI-driven location intelligence, ARCO can identify high-traffic areas for service expansion, ensuring strategic growth in competitive fuel markets.

Using AI and Geospatial Data for ARCO Site Selection

How AI Helps in Identifying Profitable Gas Station Locations

1. Traffic & Footfall Analysis – AI tools like Polygon AI evaluate vehicle density, peak traffic hours, and nearby businesses to predict optimal gas station placement.
2. Competitor Mapping – Businesses can compare ARCO’s presence vs. competitors like Shell, Chevron, and Exxon to find underserved markets.
3. Demographic Insights – AI can analyze population density, average income levels, and commuting patterns to forecast fuel demand.
4. Real-Time Location Suitability – By combining satellite imagery, road data, and AI predictions, businesses can pinpoint high-potential sites for expansion.

Who Benefits from This Data?

• Fuel Retailers & Franchise Owners – Understand where to open new ARCO locations.
• Urban Planners & Transportation Authorities – Ensure equitable fuel access in developing regions.
• Real Estate Investors – Identify profitable commercial property locations.

By leveraging AI-driven location analytics, businesses can reduce investment risks and maximize site profitability.

Conclusion

By integrating location intelligence and AI-driven analysis, fuel retailers and investors can make smarter, data-driven decisions, ensuring strategic growth and profitability.

Would you like to explore how AI-powered geospatial analysis can enhance your fuel retail business or site selection strategy? Contact xMap to learn more about our datasets across countries, generative AI solutions, and data tools.