Wayne County childcare cost
Michigan · NDCP 2018 data · population ≈ 1,761,382
In Wayne County, Michigan, median center-based infant care costs about $9,755 per year ($188/week) — roughly 21.5% of the county's median household income ($45,321), versus the 7% federal affordability benchmark (severe 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.
Wayne 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) | $188 | $9,755 | $128 | $6,649 |
| Toddler (24–35 months) | $188 | $9,755 | $124 | $6,466 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | $164 | $8,536 | $120 | $6,233 |
| School-age (before/after school) | $149 | $7,723 | $120 | $6,233 |
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.
Wayne County vs Michigan and the US
| Area | Infant (center)/yr | % of income |
|---|---|---|
| Wayne County | $9,755 | 21.5% |
| 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 Wayne County?
In Wayne County, Michigan, the median price of center-based infant care is about $9,755 per year ($188 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 Wayne County?
Median center-based infant care in Wayne County is about 21.5% of the county's median household income ($45,321). The federal affordability benchmark is 7% of income, so it is far above the 7% affordability benchmark.
Is family or center childcare cheaper in Wayne County?
Family (home-based) infant care in Wayne County runs about $6,649 per year versus $9,755 for a center. Family care usually costs less and offers smaller groups; centers offer more structured programs and longer hours.
What year is the Wayne County childcare data from?
These are 2018 median prices — the latest year Wayne 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