Mecklenburg County childcare cost
North Carolina · NDCP 2018 data · population ≈ 1,054,314
In Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, median center-based infant care costs about $13,259 per year ($255/week) — roughly 20.6% of the county's median household income ($64,312), versus the 7% federal affordability benchmark (severe burden). The North Carolina state median is $8,579; 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.
Mecklenburg 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) | $255 | $13,259 | $175 | $9,099 |
| Toddler (24–35 months) | $230 | $11,959 | $165 | $8,579 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | $155 | $8,059 | $160 | $8,319 |
| School-age (before/after school) | $120 | $6,218 | $135 | $7,019 |
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.
Mecklenburg County vs North Carolina and the US
| Area | Infant (center)/yr | % of income |
|---|---|---|
| Mecklenburg County | $13,259 | 20.6% |
| North Carolina (state median) | $8,579 | 15.9% |
| United States | $7,987 | — |
See the full North Carolina 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 Mecklenburg County?
In Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, the median price of center-based infant care is about $13,259 per year ($255 per week), based on 2018 data from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. The North Carolina state median is $8,579. Verify current local prices with providers.
Is childcare affordable in Mecklenburg County?
Median center-based infant care in Mecklenburg County is about 20.6% of the county's median household income ($64,312). The federal affordability benchmark is 7% of income, so it is far above the 7% affordability benchmark.
Is family or center childcare cheaper in Mecklenburg County?
Family (home-based) infant care in Mecklenburg County runs about $9,099 per year versus $13,259 for a center. Family care usually costs less and offers smaller groups; centers offer more structured programs and longer hours.
What year is the Mecklenburg County childcare data from?
These are 2018 median prices — the latest year Mecklenburg 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