Childcare Cost in Deer Lodge County, MT
Infant center-based childcare in Deer Lodge County, MT costs $208 per week ($10,814 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $168 per week ($8,725 per year). With a median household income of $46,436, the childcare burden index is 23.3% 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) | $208 | $168 |
| Toddler (1-2) | $215 | $171 |
| Preschool (3-5) | $186 | $171 |
| School-Age (6+) | $186 | $159 |
Burden Index
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $46,436 |
| Burden Index | 23.3% (Severe) |
| National Median (Infant Center) | $174/wk |
How does Deer Lodge County compare?
At $208/wk for infant center care, Deer Lodge County runs 20% above the national median of $174/wk.
The Childcare Burden Index here is 23.3% 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 Deer Lodge County runs $168/wk for infants — about 19% less than center-based care, or $2,089 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $186/wk (center) or $159/wk (family).
More about Deer Lodge County
The data source behind this answer is the DOL National Database of Childcare Prices. Every figure on the page traces back to that source; the methodology page describes the inputs and the refresh cadence in full detail.
A practical caveat: the headline answer above reflects the most recent the DOL National Database of Childcare Prices vintage; underlying data is often revised for months after first publication, and the right reference for any specific decision is whichever vintage is current at the time of the decision. The as-of date is stamped on every page.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau Childcare Prices, 2026.