Childcare Cost in Cherokee County, NC
Infant center-based childcare in Cherokee County, NC costs $209 per week ($10,864 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $135 per week ($6,998 per year). With a median household income of $49,254, the childcare burden index is 22.1% 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) | $209 | $135 |
| Toddler (1-2) | $137 | $114 |
| Preschool (3-5) | $93 | $114 |
| School-Age (6+) | $50 | $62 |
Burden Index
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $49,254 |
| Burden Index | 22.1% (Severe) |
| National Median (Infant Center) | $174/wk |
How does Cherokee County compare?
At $209/wk for infant center care, Cherokee County runs 20% above the national median of $174/wk.
The Childcare Burden Index here is 22.1% of median household income — a severe burden, more than triple the 7% affordability threshold the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services uses.
For families looking to lower the bill, family-based (home) daycare in Cherokee County runs $135/wk for infants — about 36% less than center-based care, or $3,866 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $50/wk (center) or $62/wk (family).