Childcare Cost in New Castle County, DE
Infant center-based childcare in New Castle County, DE costs $280 per week ($14,575 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $182 per week ($9,447 per year). With a median household income of $85,309, the childcare burden index is 17.1% 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) | $280 | $182 |
| Toddler (1-2) | $199 | $154 |
| Preschool (3-5) | $210 | $155 |
| School-Age (6+) | $106 | $86 |
Burden Index
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $85,309 |
| Burden Index | 17.1% (High) |
| National Median (Infant Center) | $174/wk |
How does New Castle County compare?
At $280/wk for infant center care, New Castle County runs 61% above the national median of $174/wk.
The Childcare Burden Index here is 17.1% 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 New Castle County runs $182/wk for infants — about 35% less than center-based care, or $5,128 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $106/wk (center) or $86/wk (family).