Childcare Cost in Penobscot County, ME
Infant center-based childcare in Penobscot County, ME costs $256 per week ($13,295 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $183 per week ($9,533 per year). With a median household income of $59,438, the childcare burden index is 22.4% 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) | $256 | $183 |
| Toddler (1-2) | $204 | $180 |
| Preschool (3-5) | $188 | $160 |
| School-Age (6+) | $193 | $160 |
Burden Index
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $59,438 |
| Burden Index | 22.4% (Severe) |
| National Median (Infant Center) | $174/wk |
How does Penobscot County compare?
At $256/wk for infant center care, Penobscot County runs 47% above the national median of $174/wk.
The Childcare Burden Index here is 22.4% 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 Penobscot County runs $183/wk for infants — about 28% less than center-based care, or $3,762 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $193/wk (center) or $160/wk (family).