About PlainChildcare

PlainChildcare makes childcare cost data accessible and easy to understand for every American family. We transform government data into a searchable, modern interface.

Data Source

All data comes from the U.S. Department of Labor Women's Bureau National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP). This database compiles childcare pricing data at the county level, covering center-based and family-based care across multiple age groups.

Methodology

We process the raw NDCP dataset to provide:

• County-level costs — median annual childcare prices by age group and care type
• Affordability ratios — childcare cost as a percentage of median household income
• State aggregations — average, minimum, and maximum costs by state
• Historical trends — price changes over available data years

Age Groups

• Infant — Under 1 year
• Toddler — Ages 1-2
• Preschool — Ages 3-5
• School-age — Ages 6+

Care Types

• Center-based — Licensed childcare centers and preschools
• Family-based — Licensed family childcare homes

Important Notes

• Prices shown are median annual costs and may not reflect current market rates
• Actual costs vary by provider, quality rating, and specific location
• Not all counties have data for all age groups or care types
• PlainChildcare is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Labor

Contact

Questions or feedback? Reach us at hello@plainchildcare.com.