Childcare Cost in Milwaukee County, WI
Infant center-based childcare in Milwaukee County, WI costs $293 per week ($15,236 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $220 per week ($11,440 per year). With a median household income of $59,319, the childcare burden index is 25.7% 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) | $293 | $220 |
| Toddler (1-2) | $259 | $200 |
| Preschool (3-5) | $259 | $200 |
| School-Age (6+) | $205 | $180 |
Burden Index
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $59,319 |
| Burden Index | 25.7% (Severe) |
| National Median (Infant Center) | $174/wk |
How does Milwaukee County compare?
At $293/wk for infant center care, Milwaukee County runs 69% above the national median of $174/wk.
The Childcare Burden Index here is 25.7% 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 Milwaukee County runs $220/wk for infants — about 25% less than center-based care, or $3,796 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $205/wk (center) or $180/wk (family).
More about Milwaukee County
This answer pulls from the DOL National Database of Childcare Prices, the authoritative federal source for U.S. childcare prices. The headline number above is the direct answer; what follows is the additional context most readers need to use the answer for a real decision rather than just a fact lookup.
For readers turning this answer into action: cross-reference against the underlying the DOL National Database of Childcare Prices record before acting on time-sensitive decisions. The site renders the data as it was published; subsequent revisions can shift the picture, and the live federal data is always the authoritative current reference.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau Childcare Prices, 2026.