St. Louis County childcare cost
Missouri · NDCP 2018 data · population ≈ 998,684
In St. Louis County, Missouri, median center-based infant care costs about $14,245 per year ($274/week) — roughly 21.8% of the county's median household income ($65,300), versus the 7% federal affordability benchmark (severe burden). The Missouri state median is $6,922; 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.
St. Louis 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) | $274 | $14,245 | — | — |
| Toddler (24–35 months) | $215 | $11,177 | — | — |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | $215 | $11,177 | — | — |
| School-age (before/after school) | $181 | $9,423 | — | — |
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.
St. Louis County vs Missouri and the US
| Area | Infant (center)/yr | % of income |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis County | $14,245 | 21.8% |
| Missouri (state median) | $6,922 | 12.6% |
| United States | $7,987 | — |
See the full Missouri 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 St. Louis County?
In St. Louis County, Missouri, the median price of center-based infant care is about $14,245 per year ($274 per week), based on 2018 data from the federal National Database of Childcare Prices. The Missouri state median is $6,922. Verify current local prices with providers.
Is childcare affordable in St. Louis County?
Median center-based infant care in St. Louis County is about 21.8% of the county's median household income ($65,300). The federal affordability benchmark is 7% of income, so it is far above the 7% affordability benchmark.
Is family or center childcare cheaper in St. Louis County?
Family (home-based) infant care in St. Louis County runs about — per year versus $14,245 for a center. Family care usually costs less and offers smaller groups; centers offer more structured programs and longer hours.
What year is the St. Louis County childcare data from?
These are 2018 median prices — the latest year St. Louis 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