Shelby County childcare cost
Tennessee · NDCP 2018 data · population ≈ 937,005
In Shelby County, Tennessee, median center-based infant care costs about $9,620 per year ($185/week) — roughly 19.3% of the county's median household income ($49,782), versus the 7% federal affordability benchmark (heavy burden). The Tennessee state median is $6,605; 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.
Shelby 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) | $185 | $9,620 | $135 | $7,020 |
| Toddler (24–35 months) | $148 | $7,677 | $123 | $6,383 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | $148 | $7,677 | $123 | $6,383 |
| School-age (before/after school) | $59 | $3,068 | $65 | $3,380 |
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.
Shelby County vs Tennessee and the US
| Area | Infant (center)/yr | % of income |
|---|---|---|
| Shelby County | $9,620 | 19.3% |
| Tennessee (state median) | $6,605 | 12.6% |
| United States | $7,987 | — |
See the full Tennessee 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 Shelby County?
In Shelby County, Tennessee, the median price of center-based infant care is about $9,620 per year ($185 per week), based on 2018 data from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. The Tennessee state median is $6,605. Verify current local prices with providers.
Is childcare affordable in Shelby County?
Median center-based infant care in Shelby County is about 19.3% of the county's median household income ($49,782). The federal affordability benchmark is 7% of income, so it is roughly double the affordability benchmark.
Is family or center childcare cheaper in Shelby County?
Family (home-based) infant care in Shelby County runs about $7,020 per year versus $9,620 for a center. Family care usually costs less and offers smaller groups; centers offer more structured programs and longer hours.
What year is the Shelby County childcare data from?
These are 2018 median prices — the latest year Shelby 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