Pocatello, Idaho

Overview

Situated in Pocatello, Idaho, Costco functions as a key wholesale club serving the broader regional population. The wholesale retail destination plays a meaningful role in the area's commercial and civic landscape, anchoring a network of nearby communities. A closer look at the reachable population within 30 minutes reveals the reach and importance of this destination.

Population catchment

Approximately 97,922 residents live within a 30-minute drive of Costco, spread across 11 distinct incorporated communities. Pocatello, with a population of 56,320, is the dominant community in the catchment area, accounting for 58% of the reachable population. Following Pocatello, Chubbuck adds 15,570 residents, while Blackfoot contributes 12,346, broadening the demographic base of the area. This concentration highlights the demographic weight of the primary population center relative to smaller surrounding communities.

Regional dependence

Regional dependence is evident in the demographic profile surrounding Costco. With 8 of 11 communities registering populations under 5,000, many residents travel beyond their home communities for services available at or near Pocatello. Costco benefits from this travel pattern, serving as a practical destination for a dispersed population base across Idaho.

Geographic interpretation

Geographically, the communities within 30 minutes of Costco form a urban corridor. The presence of 3 communities above 10,000 residents reflects a mature metropolitan or suburban region with concentrated population. Pocatello dominates the population landscape, and the surrounding communities create a concentrated distribution. A median population of 1,264 among the catchment communities suggests that substantially smaller communities are the norm, with only a few larger population centers. This settlement pattern influences commuting behavior and access to regional destinations throughout Idaho.