Childcare Cost in Mendocino County, CA
Infant center-based childcare in Mendocino County, CA costs $278 per week ($14,459 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $240 per week ($12,461 per year). With a median household income of $61,335, the childcare burden index is 23.6% 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) | $278 | $240 |
| Toddler (1-2) | $203 | $212 |
| Preschool (3-5) | $168 | $201 |
| School-Age (6+) | $77 | $176 |
Burden Index
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $61,335 |
| Burden Index | 23.6% (Severe) |
| National Median (Infant Center) | $174/wk |
How does Mendocino County compare?
At $278/wk for infant center care, Mendocino County runs 60% above the national median of $174/wk.
The Childcare Burden Index here is 23.6% 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 Mendocino County runs $240/wk for infants — about 14% less than center-based care, or $1,998 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $77/wk (center) or $176/wk (family).
More about Mendocino 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.