Childcare Cost in Lancaster County, VA
Infant center-based childcare in Lancaster County, VA costs $210 per week ($10,905 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $177 per week ($9,183 per year). With a median household income of $62,674, the childcare burden index is 17.4% 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) | $210 | $177 |
| Toddler (1-2) | $159 | $152 |
| Preschool (3-5) | $147 | $148 |
| School-Age (6+) | $142 | $129 |
Burden Index
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $62,674 |
| Burden Index | 17.4% (High) |
| National Median (Infant Center) | $174/wk |
How does Lancaster County compare?
At $210/wk for infant center care, Lancaster County runs 21% above the national median of $174/wk.
The Childcare Burden Index here is 17.4% of median household income — a high burden, more than double the 7% HHS affordability threshold.
For families looking to lower the bill, family-based (home) daycare in Lancaster County runs $177/wk for infants — about 16% less than center-based care, or $1,722 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $142/wk (center) or $129/wk (family).
More about Lancaster 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.