ChildcareCost

Childcare Cost in DeKalb County, IL

Infant center-based childcare in DeKalb County, IL costs $293 per week ($15,222 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $193 per week ($10,045 per year). With a median household income of $68,617, the childcare burden index is 22.2% of income. The national median weekly infant center care cost is $174 for comparison.

Cost by Care Type

Age GroupCenter/WkFamily/Wk
Infant (0-1)$293$193
Toddler (1-2)$240$192
Preschool (3-5)$236$183
School-Age (6+)$70$88

Burden Index

MetricValue
Median Household Income$68,617
Burden Index22.2% (Severe)
National Median (Infant Center)$174/wk

How does DeKalb County compare?

At $293/wk for infant center care, DeKalb County runs 69% above the national median of $174/wk.

The Childcare Burden Index here is 22.2% 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 DeKalb County runs $193/wk for infants — about 34% less than center-based care, or $5,177 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $70/wk (center) or $88/wk (family).

View full DeKalb County childcare data →See all IL county rankings →Most expensive childcare areas →Try the affordability calculator →

More about DeKalb 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.