Childcare Isn't Affordable In Any State: Map Shows Worst Impacted Areas
Summary
Childcare is too expensive for families in every U.S. state, with costs exceeding the federal affordability standard that says childcare should cost no more than 7% of a family’s income. States in the West and Northeast, like California and New York, have the highest costs, but even states with lower prices still see families paying more than what is considered affordable.Key Facts
- No U.S. state currently meets the federal guideline for affordable childcare, which is set at 7% of a household’s income.
- Families with typical incomes pay more than 7%, and low-wage workers may pay more for childcare than they earn in a year in some states.
- Infant childcare costs more than in-state public college tuition in 29 states and Washington, D.C.
- States with the highest childcare costs include Hawaii, California, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington.
- Even states with lower childcare costs, like South Dakota and Alabama, do not meet affordability standards for most families.
- Reasons for rising childcare costs include fewer childcare providers, low pay for workers, higher insurance costs, and closing of small childcare centers.
- More than half of Americans live in “childcare deserts,” areas where there are not enough licensed childcare slots for the number of young children.
- The shortage of childcare providers especially affects infant care, which requires more resources and higher costs.
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