Oakland County childcare cost
Michigan · NDCP 2018 data · population ≈ 1,250,843
In Oakland County, Michigan, median center-based infant care costs about $12,918 per year ($248/week) — roughly 16.9% of the county's median household income ($76,387), versus the 7% federal affordability benchmark (heavy burden). The Michigan state median is $8,495; 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.
Oakland 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) | $248 | $12,918 | $169 | $8,804 |
| Toddler (24–35 months) | $248 | $12,918 | $165 | $8,562 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | $217 | $11,303 | $159 | $8,254 |
| School-age (before/after school) | $197 | $10,227 | $159 | $8,254 |
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.
Oakland County vs Michigan and the US
| Area | Infant (center)/yr | % of income |
|---|---|---|
| Oakland County | $12,918 | 16.9% |
| Michigan (state median) | $8,495 | 15.1% |
| United States | $7,987 | — |
See the full Michigan 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 Oakland County?
In Oakland County, Michigan, the median price of center-based infant care is about $12,918 per year ($248 per week), based on 2018 data from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. The Michigan state median is $8,495. Verify current local prices with providers.
Is childcare affordable in Oakland County?
Median center-based infant care in Oakland County is about 16.9% of the county's median household income ($76,387). The federal affordability benchmark is 7% of income, so it is roughly double the affordability benchmark.
Is family or center childcare cheaper in Oakland County?
Family (home-based) infant care in Oakland County runs about $8,804 per year versus $12,918 for a center. Family care usually costs less and offers smaller groups; centers offer more structured programs and longer hours.
What year is the Oakland County childcare data from?
These are 2018 median prices — the latest year Oakland 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