Childcare Cost in Benton County, WA
Infant center-based childcare in Benton County, WA costs $270 per week ($14,060 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $198 per week ($10,296 per year). With a median household income of $83,778, the childcare burden index is 16.8% of income. The national median weekly infant center care cost is $174 for comparison.
Cost by Care Type
| Age Group | Center/Wk | Family/Wk |
|---|---|---|
| Infant (0-1) | $270 | $198 |
| Toddler (1-2) | $208 | $200 |
| Preschool (3-5) | $208 | $200 |
| School-Age (6+) | $152 | $183 |
Burden Index
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $83,778 |
| Burden Index | 16.8% (High) |
| National Median (Infant Center) | $174/wk |
How does Benton County compare?
At $270/wk for infant center care, Benton County runs 56% above the national median of $174/wk.
The Childcare Burden Index here is 16.8% of median household income — a high burden, more than double the 7% HHS affordability threshold.
For families looking to lower the bill, family-based (home) daycare in Benton County runs $198/wk for infants — about 27% less than center-based care, or $3,764 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $152/wk (center) or $183/wk (family).