This database provides county-level childcare prices for most states in the United States over 14 years. The childcare price data are combined with county-level data from the American Community Survey to provide demographic and economic characteristics of the counties. The database facilitates research on childcare prices by county and demographic and economic characteristics.

This statistic shows the average monthly costs of child care to a family in the United States, as of 2012. In 2012, 53 percent of respondents stated they paid between 1 and 500 U.S. dollars per month on child care.

Graph and download economic data for Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Tuition, Other School Fees, and Childcare in U.S. City Average from Jan 1978 to Sep 2025 about tuition, day care, fees, urban, consumer, CPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

For a couple with 2 children, where one parent earned the average wage, and the other parent earned 67 percent of the average wage. The U.S. and Ireland had the most expensive childcare among OECD countries, with net childcare costs taking up ** and ** percent of net household income, respectively.

The National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP) is the most comprehensive federal source of childcare prices at the county level. The database offers childcare price data by childcare provider type, age of children, and county characteristics. Data are available from 2008 to 2018. The National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP) provides childcare prices at the county level in the United States. The NDCP is a new data source, and the most comprehensive federal source of childcare prices at the county level in the United States. The NDCP was developed to fill a need for local-level childcare price data, standardized across U.S. states. Most existing sources of childcare price data provide prices at the state level, yet parents must choose childcare providers that are in close proximity to their homes or workplaces. Therefore, state averages are unlikely to be good estimates of the prices parents encounter in the market. State average prices do not reflect the substantial variation in prices from one locale to the next within a state and underestimate prices in urban areas.

The NDCP provides data on the price of childcare by children's age groups and care setting (home-based or center-based) at the median and 75th percentile over an 11-year period (2008-2018, inclusive) at the county level. The data were obtained from state Lead Agencies responsible for conducting market rate surveys (MRS) according to Child Care and Development Fund regulations. A MRS is the collection and analysis of prices charged by childcare providers for services in the priced market. All state Lead Agencies must conduct a survey and develop a report on local childcare prices in their state every three years. The Women's Bureau contracted with ICF to obtain reports and data from previously conducted surveys to develop the NDCP. The NDCP standardizes and harmonizes data across years and geographies for about 200 previously-conducted MRS. The NDCP also provides county-level demographic and economic data from the American Community Survey.

The accompanying User Guide (U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau National Database of Childcare Prices: Final Report) provides detailed information about the data sources, data collection strategy, standardization and imputation of the data, and data limitations to inform and assist researchers who may be interested in using the data for future analyses. The following items are provided in the User Guide as appendices. Cr: US Department of Labour

Original survey findings from 173 U.S. childcare providers compiled by HINGE Early Education Advisors. Includes data on staff pay trends, tuition allocations, and cost management strategies in the early education industry.

Graph and download economic data for Consumer Price Index for All Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers: Tuition, Other School Fees, and Childcare in U.S. City Average (CWSR0000SEEB) from Jan 1978 to Sep 2025 about tuition, day care, clerical workers, fees, urban, wages, CPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

Source: National Database of Childcare Prices 2022, Women's Bureau, U.S. Department of Labor Note: Childcare prices are derived from each state's childcare Market Rate Survey. Prices are median yearly prices for one child at the market rate. School-age prices reflect the school-year arrangement (part day). Childcare prices are based on the 2019-2022 data collection cycle and are presented in 2022 real dollars using the CPI-U for child care (day care and preschool in the U.S. city average). NDCP data are intended to be used at the county level; caution is advised when using state averages. State averages are created by weighting county childcare price estimates by county population for counties with available childcare price data. Some states have more missing data than others which could impact the estimated state averages. As a result, state averages may not meet the higher quality standards developed for the NDCP county-level estimates. This product is experimental and may be revised as estimation methodologies improve and additional data become available.

For a single parent with two children earning the average wage, the United States had proportionately the most expensive childcare among selected countries, with net childcare costs taking up ** percent of net household income. This figure was around ***** percent in the OECD on average.

United States - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Tuition, Other School Fees, and Childcare in U.S. City Average was 895.30500 Index 1982-84=100 in August of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Tuition, Other School Fees, and Childcare in U.S. City Average reached a record high of 895.30500 in August of 2025 and a record low of 57.50000 in January of 1978. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Tuition, Other School Fees, and Childcare in U.S. City Average - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on November of 2025.

United States CPI U: EC: Education: TF: Child Care & Nursery School data was reported at 294.642 Dec1990=100 in Jun 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 293.874 Dec1990=100 for May 2018. United States CPI U: EC: Education: TF: Child Care & Nursery School data is updated monthly, averaging 189.400 Dec1990=100 from Dec 1990 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 331 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 294.642 Dec1990=100 in Jun 2018 and a record low of 100.000 Dec1990=100 in Dec 1990. United States CPI U: EC: Education: TF: Child Care & Nursery School data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.I002: Consumer Price Index: Urban.

The child daycare industry has navigated various challenges, including labor shortages and fluctuating demand patterns. Parents increasingly recognize the value of early childhood education, spurring demand for developmental programs. Back-to-office working conditions have also heightened the need for childcare, especially for families with both parents participating in the workforce. This heightened demand offers growth opportunities, but it is coupled with financial pressures like the need to provide competitive wages to attract qualified staff. Revenue has been growing at a CAGR of 3.4% to an estimated $74.7 billion over the five years through 2025 despite an expected 0.0% rate change in 2025. Over the past five years, the sector's profitability has felt the impact of rising operational costs, particularly in labor. Competition for labor has meant higher wages, eroding profit and challenging centers to balance budgets. Smaller providers have struggled with limited financial flexibility, relying heavily on tuition to meet operating costs. In contrast, larger organizations face the burden of elevated professional fees and rental expenses, impacting revenue shares. Meanwhile, essential supply purchases have stayed minimal and marketing costs remain low, allowing centers to direct resources toward pressing financial obligations. A robust economy and government support promise to transform the sector in the next five years. As financial stability allows families to prioritize quality care, providers must raise standards and innovate offerings to remain competitive. The shift toward structured educational environments in centers will push businesses to incorporate advanced curricula and training methods. Increased female workforce participation will demand flexible service options, while government funding could expand accessibility and improve facilities. Advancements in security and health monitoring will likely become industry norms, attracting safety-conscious parents. As businesses adapt to these changes, they will shape a more resilient, dynamic care landscape, positioning for sustained growth amid competition. Revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of 1.0%, reaching $78.4 billion by 2030.

United States - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers: Tuition, Other School Fees, and Childcare in U.S. City Average was 863.52500 Index 1982-84=100 in September of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers: Tuition, Other School Fees, and Childcare in U.S. City Average reached a record high of 863.52500 in September of 2025 and a record low of 57.30000 in January of 1978. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers: Tuition, Other School Fees, and Childcare in U.S. City Average - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on November of 2025.

United States CPI U: AW: EC: Education: Tuition, Fees, & Childcare (TF) data was reported at 3.046 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 3.044 % for 2016. United States CPI U: AW: EC: Education: Tuition, Fees, & Childcare (TF) data is updated yearly, averaging 2.886 % from Dec 1997 (Median) to 2017, with 21 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.212 % in 2015 and a record low of 2.421 % in 1997. United States CPI U: AW: EC: Education: Tuition, Fees, & Childcare (TF) data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.I011: Consumer Price Index: Urban: Weights (Annual).

View monthly updates and historical trends for US Consumer Price Index: Tuition, Other School Fees, and Childcare. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Tra…

United States CPI U: sa: EC: Education: Tuition, Fees & Childcare (TF) data was reported at 738.689 1982-1984=100 in Jun 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 736.464 1982-1984=100 for May 2018. United States CPI U: sa: EC: Education: Tuition, Fees & Childcare (TF) data is updated monthly, averaging 291.100 1982-1984=100 from Jan 1978 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 486 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 738.689 1982-1984=100 in Jun 2018 and a record low of 57.500 1982-1984=100 in Jan 1978. United States CPI U: sa: EC: Education: Tuition, Fees & Childcare (TF) data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.I006: Consumer Price Index: Urban: sa.

In 2019, the state of California had the least affordable child care.The cost of care is presented as a percentage of state median income for a two-parent family. About 18 percent of the median income of a two-parent family had to be spent for full-time care for an infant in a child care center.

Graph and download economic data for Personal consumption expenditures: Services: Nursery, elementary, and secondary schools (chain-type price index) (DNEHRG3A086NBEA) from 1929 to 2024 about elementary, schools, secondary, chained, PCE, consumption expenditures, consumption, personal, services, GDP, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

Child Care Usage by Demographic Info

Insights into the Accessibility of Child Care Services

By U.S. Census Bureau [source]

About this dataset

This dataset, sourced from the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), provides an analysis of center-based child care usage among young children under the age of five who are living with their mother. Detailed information for this analysis is broken down by both sex and race/ethnicity, and covers statistical data from 2005 to 2011. With this detailed information, researchers have insight into important trends in early childhood healthcare development, such as access to reliable resources for children’s physical and emotional development prior to grade school. This dataset offers a thorough picture of childcare use in America – relevant both for demographers aiming to understand the needs of children in various communities, or economists seeking insights into modern family budgeting

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How to use the dataset

Research Ideas

• Comparing access to center-based daycare services by sex and race/ethnicity of children under 5.
• Analyzing how geographic location impacts availability and utilization of childcare services.
• Investigating the differences in quality and cost of childcare across demographic groups over time

Acknowledgements

If you use this dataset in your research, please credit the original authors. Data Source

License

Unknown License - Please check the dataset description for more information.

Columns

File: Child-care_verified.no-chart.simplified.csv

Acknowledgements

If you use this dataset in your research, please credit the original authors. If you use this dataset in your research, please credit U.S. Census Bureau.

Nursery schools in the US have contended with dramatic fluctuations in revenue and stability amid changing labor market dynamics and shifting federal support in recent years. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provided substantial funds early in the period, helping schools remain open and raise staff wages. When ARPA's provisions expired in September 2023, many schools faced immense challenges sustaining their previous expenditures, often referred to as the "child care cliff." Inflation has outpaced wage growth, raising operating costs for nursery schools. An uptick in women's workforce participation had temporarily buoyed demand but has begun to decline, leaving families better able to care for their children on their own. These evolving headwinds have forced some nursery schools to permanently close, further exacerbating the child care "desert" challenge many families face. Still, strong federal aid in earlier years has led revenue to climb at a CAGR of 2.5% to an estimated $12.1 billion over the five years through 2025. Revenue is set to sink by 0.4% in 2025 alone. Federal assistance for nursery schools has become more uncertain since the peak of ARPA relief. Although funding for the Child Care Block Development Grant (CCDBG) rose slightly with appropriations in 2024 and emergency extensions, this support didn't fully replace the evaporation of ARPA funds. Flat funding for programs like Head Start and Preschool Development Grants in 2025 has combined with layoffs and office closures at the Administration for Children and Families to create administrative backlogs and service disruptions. Nursery schools serving low-income families felt these effects most acutely, leading to program suspensions and delays. In contrast, private schools with affluent clients have remained largely insulated. Nursery schools will see much more modest gains over the next five years. Birth rates in the US are expected to marginally rise, but high-income households will help drive moderate growth for private nursery schools. However, middle-income communities are at continued risk of losing access, since few federal or state programs will fill the gap left by expiring national support. Without significant policy changes, closures and child care deserts will persist. Nursery schools will also struggle to balance rising labor costs with families' increasing price sensitivity amid tariff-driven inflation. Nursery schools' revenue is expected to swell at a CAGR of 0.7% to an estimated $12.5 billion through the end of 2030.