Childcare Cost in Dorchester County, SC
Infant center-based childcare in Dorchester County, SC costs $199 per week ($10,344 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $138 per week ($7,152 per year). With a median household income of $73,686, the childcare burden index is 14.0% 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) | $199 | $138 |
| Toddler (1-2) | $185 | $138 |
| Preschool (3-5) | $181 | $133 |
| School-Age (6+) | $138 | $89 |
Burden Index
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $73,686 |
| Burden Index | 14.0% (Moderate) |
| National Median (Infant Center) | $174/wk |
How does Dorchester County compare?
At $199/wk for infant center care, Dorchester County runs 15% above the national median of $174/wk.
The Childcare Burden Index here is 14.0% of median household income — a moderate burden, above the 7% HHS affordability threshold.
For families looking to lower the bill, family-based (home) daycare in Dorchester County runs $138/wk for infants — about 31% less than center-based care, or $3,192 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $138/wk (center) or $89/wk (family).