Childcare Cost in Mecklenburg County, NC
Infant center-based childcare in Mecklenburg County, NC costs $284 per week ($14,774 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $189 per week ($9,852 per year). With a median household income of $79,265, the childcare burden index is 18.6% 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) | $284 | $189 |
| Toddler (1-2) | $251 | $180 |
| Preschool (3-5) | $171 | $180 |
| School-Age (6+) | $90 | $100 |
Burden Index
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $79,265 |
| Burden Index | 18.6% (High) |
| National Median (Infant Center) | $174/wk |
How does Mecklenburg County compare?
At $284/wk for infant center care, Mecklenburg County runs 64% above the national median of $174/wk.
The Childcare Burden Index here is 18.6% 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 Mecklenburg County runs $189/wk for infants — about 33% less than center-based care, or $4,922 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $90/wk (center) or $100/wk (family).