Childcare Cost in St. Lucie County, FL
Infant center-based childcare in St. Lucie County, FL costs $235 per week ($12,220 per year), based on DOL data. Family-based infant care is $165 per week ($8,580 per year). With a median household income of $66,154, the childcare burden index is 18.5% 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) | $235 | $165 |
| Toddler (1-2) | $180 | $150 |
| Preschool (3-5) | $168 | $150 |
| School-Age (6+) | $98 | $125 |
Burden Index
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $66,154 |
| Burden Index | 18.5% (High) |
| National Median (Infant Center) | $174/wk |
How does St. Lucie County compare?
At $235/wk for infant center care, St. Lucie County runs 35% above the national median of $174/wk.
The Childcare Burden Index here is 18.5% 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. Lucie County runs $165/wk for infants — about 30% less than center-based care, or $3,640 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $98/wk (center) or $125/wk (family).