National Database of Childcare Prices

The National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP) is the most comprehensive federal source of childcare prices at the county level. The database offers childcare price data by childcare provider type, age of children, and county characteristics. Data are available from 2008 through 2022.

Research

Childcare costs remain an almost prohibitive expense

Interactive and downloadable county-level factsheets with data from 2022

Press Release: Cost of child care for one child can be more than rent in some US counties

Childcare Prices and Geographic Analyses

Data and Documentation

Explore NDCP data using the API on the DOL Open Data Portal

National Database of Childcare Prices: 2008-2022 (Data File) (XLSX)

National Database of Childcare Prices Technical Report 2024 (PDF)

National Database of Childcare Prices: State-Level Estimates and Affordability Rankings 2022 (XLSX)

Child & Family Data Archive (Study Repository)

Archives: NDCP 2018 Initial Release

We analyzed 5 years worth of childcare prices. Here’s what we found

Childcare Prices in Local Areas: Initial Findings from the National Database of Childcare Prices 2018 (PDF)

Fact Sheet 2018: English | Español (PDF)

Press Release: English | Español

New Childcare Data Shows Prices Are Untenable for Families

How childcare prices changed between 2013 and 2018, by county racial and ethnic composition

National Database of Childcare Prices: 2008-2018 (Data File) (XLSX)

National Database of Childcare Prices Technical Guide (PDF)

National Database of Childcare Prices: 2018 and 2023 State- Level Estimates

Childcare Prices by Age of Children and Care Setting

Childcare Prices as a Share of Median Family Income by Age of Children and Care Setting

Questions?

Email us at ndcp@dol.gov