Where It’s Easiest to Make Amazon Returns Around the U.S.

• Table of contents
• The Top U.S. Cities for Easy Amazon Returns
• Closing Thoughts
• Methodology

Returning an Amazon package shouldn’t feel like running a marathon—but in some cities, it does. With online shopping on the rise, the convenience of making online returns has become a priority, especially for Amazon’s vast customer base. Knowing where it’s easiest to drop off those returns can make a big difference for frequent shoppers.

This study examines the return experience across the 50 largest U.S. metro areas. We used online store directories to find the number of retailer locations that accept Amazon returns, including Kohl’s, Whole Foods, Staples, UPS, and Amazon stores and lockers. We then compared the density of these locations to each city’s population and land area, highlighting which cities make the return process a breeze and which might leave you hunting for that nearest drop-off. Spoiler alert: some cities make returns a whole lot easier than others.

The Top U.S. Cities for Easy Amazon Returns

Here are the top 5 U.S. cities for easy Amazon returns (by population size):

• Oklahoma City, OK: 14.08 return locations per 100K residents
• Las Vegas, NV: 12.91 return locations per 100K residents
• Raleigh, NC: 10.36 return locations per 100K residents
• San Jose, CA: 10.19 return locations per 100K residents
• Jacksonville, FL: 10.14 return locations per 100K residents

Oklahoma City claims the title as the most convenient city in the U.S. for making Amazon returns, with an impressive 203 return locations and the highest density at 14.08 locations per 100K residents. This return-friendly setup means residents rarely need to go far to complete a return, making the city a standout for online shopping convenience. Hot on Oklahoma City’s heels, Las Vegas also boasts a high density of return locations, with 296 total locations and nearly 13 locations per 100K residents—ideal for locals and the influx of visitors who often rely on Amazon’s services during extended stays.

Interestingly, three California cities rank in the top ten for Amazon return convenience, hinting at a regional trend. With hubs like San Jose leading with 10.19 return locations per 100K residents, the Golden State offers its residents accessible return options, likely influenced by its tech-forward culture and high demand for streamlined e-commerce experiences. Meanwhile, Raleigh and Jacksonville complete the top five, with 10.36 and 10.14 return locations per 100K residents, respectively.

Here are the top 5 U.S. cities for easy Amazon returns (by land area):

• Miami, FL: 8.64 return locations per 10 square miles
• Las Vegas, NV: 5.95 return locations per 10 square miles
• San Francisco, CA: 5.21 return locations per 10 square miles
• Washington, D.C.: 3.64 return locations per 10 square miles
• Orlando, FL: 2.97 return locations per 10 square miles

When it comes to accessibility based on land area, Miami takes the lead with 224 total locations and 8.64 Amazon return locations per 10 square miles, making returns nearly as effortless as stepping outside. In dense urban hubs like Miami, high return location density means even residents in sprawling neighborhoods don’t need to travel far to find a return site. Las Vegas and San Francisco also offer high accessibility, with 5.95 and 5.21 return locations per 10 square miles, respectively.

A standout trend here is Florida’s Amazon return-friendly setup, with three of the top six cities located in the Sunshine State. Cities like Orlando and Miami reflect Florida’s commitment to creating consumer-friendly experiences, especially in urban areas where convenience is key. The mix of tourist traffic and a fast-growing population in these Florida cities seems to fuel a strong demand for accessible Amazon return options, enhancing the shopping experience for locals and visitors alike.

Closing Thoughts

Our research into Amazon return locations highlights how convenience can make all the difference when it comes to customer experience. Knowing where to find accessible return options allows Amazon shoppers to save time and effort.

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Methodology

To find which cities are easiest to make Amazon returns, we scraped online store directories and Google Maps to find the number of retailer locations that accept Amazon returns in the 50 largest U.S. metro areas, including Kohl’s, Whole Foods, Staples, UPS stores, Amazon stores, and Amazon lockers. It’s worth noting that Amazon may charge a $1 fee if you choose to drop off your Amazon return at a UPS store but another drop-off location is closer. 

We collected the total number of each establishment within each metro area, then divided these counts by the population and land area (in square miles) of each metro area to determine the cities with the most Amazon return locations per 100,000 residents and 10 square miles. The most recent population and land area data was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau.