Milwaukee County childcare cost
Wisconsin · NDCP 2018 data · population ≈ 954,209
In Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, median center-based infant care costs about $16,224 per year ($312/week) — roughly 33.3% of the county's median household income ($48,742), versus the 7% federal affordability benchmark (severe burden). The Wisconsin state median is $10,400; 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.
Milwaukee 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) | $312 | $16,224 | $240 | $12,480 |
| Toddler (24–35 months) | $280 | $14,560 | $210 | $10,920 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | $280 | $14,560 | $210 | $10,920 |
| School-age (before/after school) | $205 | $10,660 | $180 | $9,360 |
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.
Milwaukee County vs Wisconsin and the US
| Area | Infant (center)/yr | % of income |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee County | $16,224 | 33.3% |
| Wisconsin (state median) | $10,400 | 17.3% |
| United States | $7,987 | — |
See the full Wisconsin 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 Milwaukee County?
In Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, the median price of center-based infant care is about $16,224 per year ($312 per week), based on 2018 data from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. The Wisconsin state median is $10,400. Verify current local prices with providers.
Is childcare affordable in Milwaukee County?
Median center-based infant care in Milwaukee County is about 33.3% of the county's median household income ($48,742). The federal affordability benchmark is 7% of income, so it is far above the 7% affordability benchmark.
Is family or center childcare cheaper in Milwaukee County?
Family (home-based) infant care in Milwaukee County runs about $12,480 per year versus $16,224 for a center. Family care usually costs less and offers smaller groups; centers offer more structured programs and longer hours.
What year is the Milwaukee County childcare data from?
These are 2018 median prices — the latest year Milwaukee 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