Childcare Cost in St. Louis County, MN
Infant center-based childcare in St. Louis County, MN costs $211 per week ($10,972 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $177 per week ($9,187 per year). With a median household income of $66,491, the childcare burden index is 16.5% 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) | $211 | $177 |
| Toddler (1-2) | $197 | $150 |
| Preschool (3-5) | $182 | $153 |
| School-Age (6+) | $163 | $143 |
Burden Index
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $66,491 |
| Burden Index | 16.5% (High) |
| National Median (Infant Center) | $174/wk |
How does St. Louis County compare?
At $211/wk for infant center care, St. Louis County runs 22% above the national median of $174/wk.
The Childcare Burden Index here is 16.5% 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 St. Louis County runs $177/wk for infants — about 16% less than center-based care, or $1,785 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $163/wk (center) or $143/wk (family).
More about St. Louis 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.
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.