Childcare Cost in Lewis and Clark County, MT
Infant center-based childcare in Lewis and Clark County, MT costs $216 per week ($11,228 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $175 per week ($9,104 per year). With a median household income of $71,967, the childcare burden index is 15.6% 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) | $216 | $175 |
| Toddler (1-2) | $227 | $180 |
| Preschool (3-5) | $193 | $180 |
| School-Age (6+) | $193 | $166 |
Burden Index
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $71,967 |
| Burden Index | 15.6% (High) |
| National Median (Infant Center) | $174/wk |
How does Lewis and Clark County compare?
At $216/wk for infant center care, Lewis and Clark County runs 24% above the national median of $174/wk.
The Childcare Burden Index here is 15.6% 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 Lewis and Clark County runs $175/wk for infants — about 19% less than center-based care, or $2,124 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $193/wk (center) or $166/wk (family).