Infant vs Toddler vs Preschool Childcare Cost in Mercer County, ND

Childcare prices in Mercer County track a child's age closely, because state licensing rules require more staff per child for the youngest age bands. Infant center care costs $224/wk ($11,630/yr), the highest band in most counties, while preschool care runs $189/wk ($9,846/yr). That's a 15% drop — about $34/wk, or $1,784 a year, in savings as your child moves from infant to preschool.

The priciest age group in Mercer County is Infant (0-1) at $224/wk, and the cheapest is school-age (6+) at $185/wk — a spread of $39/wk between the most and least expensive bands. Cost declines steadily from infant to toddler to preschool, the typical national shape. School-age care (ages 6+) is usually the most economical at $185/wk, since those children only need before- and after-school coverage.

At $224/wk for infant center care, Mercer County runs 29% above the national median of $174/wk.

The Childcare Burden Index here is 14.2% of median household income — a moderate burden, above the 7% HHS affordability threshold.

For families looking to lower the bill, family-based (home) daycare in Mercer County runs $164/wk for infants — about 26% less than center-based care, or $3,081 in annual savings. School-age care is the cheapest category at $185/wk (center) or $161/wk (family).