Cook County childcare cost
Illinois · NDCP 2018 data · population ≈ 5,223,719
In Cook County, Illinois, median center-based infant care costs about $14,820 per year ($285/week) — roughly 23.9% of the county's median household income ($62,088), versus the 7% federal affordability benchmark (severe burden). The Illinois state median is $8,718; the US median is $7,987. Prices are 2018 medians from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices.
Source: U.S. DOL Women's Bureau — National Database of Childcare Prices. Data as of June 2026.
Cook County childcare prices by age and care type
Median weekly and annualized (×52) prices, 2018:
| Age group | Center /wk | Center /yr | Family /wk | Family /yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–23 months) | $285 | $14,820 | $177 | $9,178 |
| Toddler (24–35 months) | $240 | $12,480 | $164 | $8,551 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | $213 | $11,050 | $150 | $7,779 |
| School-age (before/after school) | $140 | $7,280 | $150 | $7,779 |
Source: U.S. DOL Women's Bureau — National Database of Childcare Prices (2018). Data as of June 2026.
"Center" = licensed childcare center/daycare; "Family" = home-based family childcare. Annual = weekly median × 52 weeks. Estimate — verify current prices with providers.
Cook County vs Illinois and the US
| Area | Infant (center)/yr | % of income |
|---|---|---|
| Cook County | $14,820 | 23.9% |
| Illinois (state median) | $8,718 | 13.3% |
| United States | $7,987 | — |
See the full Illinois childcare cost page for every county and age group, or use the cost calculator for your own numbers.
Frequently asked questions
How much does daycare cost in Cook County?
In Cook County, Illinois, the median price of center-based infant care is about $14,820 per year ($285 per week), based on 2018 data from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. The Illinois state median is $8,718. Verify current local prices with providers.
Is childcare affordable in Cook County?
Median center-based infant care in Cook County is about 23.9% of the county's median household income ($62,088). The federal affordability benchmark is 7% of income, so it is far above the 7% affordability benchmark.
Is family or center childcare cheaper in Cook County?
Family (home-based) infant care in Cook County runs about $9,178 per year versus $14,820 for a center. Family care usually costs less and offers smaller groups; centers offer more structured programs and longer hours.
What year is the Cook County childcare data from?
These are 2018 median prices — the latest year Cook County appears in the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. Prices have risen since; treat these as a baseline and confirm current rates with local providers.
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Source & accuracy
Prices: U.S. DOL Women's Bureau — National Database of Childcare Prices (2018, public domain). "% of income" uses the county's median household income (American Community Survey, via the NDCP). Annualization (×52) and shares are documented on our methodology page. These are historical medians; prices have risen since 2018. Verify current local prices with providers.
Last updated: 2026-06-20