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).