Childcare Cost in Merced County, CA
Infant center-based childcare in Merced County, CA costs $245 per week ($12,716 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $231 per week ($11,996 per year). With a median household income of $64,772, the childcare burden index is 19.6% 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) | $245 | $231 |
| Toddler (1-2) | $199 | $202 |
| Preschool (3-5) | $165 | $191 |
| School-Age (6+) | $75 | $182 |
Burden Index
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $64,772 |
| Burden Index | 19.6% (High) |
| National Median (Infant Center) | $174/wk |
How does Merced County compare?
At $245/wk for infant center care, Merced County runs 41% above the national median of $174/wk.
The Childcare Burden Index here is 19.6% 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 Merced County runs $231/wk for infants — about 6% less than center-based care, or $720 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $75/wk (center) or $182/wk (family).