Fairfax County childcare cost
Virginia · NDCP 2018 data · population ≈ 1,143,529
In Fairfax County, Virginia, median center-based infant care costs about $19,500 per year ($375/week) — roughly 16.1% of the county's median household income ($121,133), versus the 7% federal affordability benchmark (heavy burden). The Virginia state median is $8,840; 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.
Fairfax 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) | $375 | $19,500 | $250 | $13,000 |
| Toddler (24–35 months) | $315 | $16,380 | $220 | $11,440 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | $315 | $16,380 | $220 | $11,440 |
| School-age (before/after school) | $290 | $15,080 | $200 | $10,400 |
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.
Fairfax County vs Virginia and the US
| Area | Infant (center)/yr | % of income |
|---|---|---|
| Fairfax County | $19,500 | 16.1% |
| Virginia (state median) | $8,840 | 11.3% |
| United States | $7,987 | — |
See the full Virginia 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 Fairfax County?
In Fairfax County, Virginia, the median price of center-based infant care is about $19,500 per year ($375 per week), based on 2018 data from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. The Virginia state median is $8,840. Verify current local prices with providers.
Is childcare affordable in Fairfax County?
Median center-based infant care in Fairfax County is about 16.1% of the county's median household income ($121,133). The federal affordability benchmark is 7% of income, so it is roughly double the affordability benchmark.
Is family or center childcare cheaper in Fairfax County?
Family (home-based) infant care in Fairfax County runs about $13,000 per year versus $19,500 for a center. Family care usually costs less and offers smaller groups; centers offer more structured programs and longer hours.
What year is the Fairfax County childcare data from?
These are 2018 median prices — the latest year Fairfax 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