Childcare Cost in Lake County, MT
Infant center-based childcare in Lake County, MT costs $226 per week ($11,733 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $178 per week ($9,232 per year). With a median household income of $58,009, the childcare burden index is 20.2% 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) | $226 | $178 |
| Toddler (1-2) | $235 | $181 |
| Preschool (3-5) | $202 | $181 |
| School-Age (6+) | $202 | $168 |
Burden Index
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $58,009 |
| Burden Index | 20.2% (Severe) |
| National Median (Infant Center) | $174/wk |
How does Lake County compare?
At $226/wk for infant center care, Lake County runs 30% above the national median of $174/wk.
The Childcare Burden Index here is 20.2% 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 Lake County runs $178/wk for infants — about 21% less than center-based care, or $2,501 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $202/wk (center) or $168/wk (family).