Childcare Cost in Rice County, MN
Infant center-based childcare in Rice County, MN costs $247 per week ($12,844 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $177 per week ($9,187 per year). With a median household income of $78,214, the childcare burden index is 16.4% 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) | $247 | $177 |
| Toddler (1-2) | $218 | $150 |
| Preschool (3-5) | $206 | $153 |
| School-Age (6+) | $170 | $143 |
Burden Index
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $78,214 |
| Burden Index | 16.4% (High) |
| National Median (Infant Center) | $174/wk |
How does Rice County compare?
At $247/wk for infant center care, Rice County runs 42% above the national median of $174/wk.
The Childcare Burden Index here is 16.4% 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 Rice County runs $177/wk for infants — about 28% less than center-based care, or $3,657 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $170/wk (center) or $143/wk (family).
More about Rice County
The data source behind this answer is the DOL National Database of Childcare Prices. Every figure on the page traces back to that source; the methodology page describes the inputs and the refresh cadence in full detail.
A practical caveat: the headline answer above reflects the most recent the DOL National Database of Childcare Prices vintage; underlying data is often revised for months after first publication, and the right reference for any specific decision is whichever vintage is current at the time of the decision. The as-of date is stamped on every page.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau Childcare Prices, 2026.