Childcare costs in Aitkin County, MN
$9,100 a year for center-based infant care - 16.1% of the local median income, against a national average of $9,592.
The going rate for center-based infant care in Aitkin County, MN is $9,100/year, while family childcare is $9,187/year, based on National Database of Childcare Prices survey data from the U.S. Department of Labor. This represents 16.1% of the median household income - exceeding the HHS 7% affordability threshold. Toddler care at a center costs $8,372/year, and preschool-age care is $7,644/year.
Aitkin County vs. the nation
Center-based infant care costs $9,100 a year in Aitkin County, MN, coming in 5% below the nationwide average of $9,592 - cheaper than 48% of the 2,662 U.S. counties we track, and that bill eats 16.1% of the local median income against the 7% the federal government calls affordable.
- Infant care (center)
- $9,100/yr
- Vs. national avg
- -5%
- National rank
- #1,346 cheapest of 2,662
- Share of income
- 16.1%
Source: DOL National Database of Childcare Prices (2022). Median income: U.S. Census ACS 5-year.
- $9,100
- Center Infant/yr
- $9,187
- Family Infant/yr
- $56,406
- Median Income
- 16.1%
- % of Income (Infant)
Annual Childcare Costs by Age Group
| Age Group | Center-Based | Family Childcare |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $9,100 | $9,187 |
| Toddler | $8,372 | $7,800 |
| Preschool | $7,644 | $7,973 |
| School Age | $5,692 | $7,453 |
Cost Comparison (Center-Based)
Where Aitkin County ranks on infant-care cost
Center-based infant care, every U.S. county with reported prices
$9,100 more affordable than 48% of 2,662 US counties
Each bar is a $2.5K-wide band; taller bars hold more US counties. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count, share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices · 2022
What These Numbers Mean for Aitkin County Families
Household affordability in Aitkin County tracks against a median income of $56,406, putting infant center care at 16.1% of gross income. The HHS benchmark is 7%, meaning the typical family here exceeds the federal affordability line by 9.1 points.Between 15-20% of income, Aitkin County sits in a high-burden tier where most working families need subsidy help or split shifts to cover care.
For how to vet a licensed provider (inspection reports, QRIS ratings, CCDF subsidy intake), see Choosing Quality Childcare. Rate methodology: how these numbers are computed.
Historical Price Trends (2008–2022)
The NDCP has tracked center-based infant care here for 15 years, from 2008 through 2022.
View full data table (all care types) ▼
| Year | Ctr Infant |
|---|---|
| 2008 | $7,020 |
| 2009 | $7,072 |
| 2010 | $7,124 |
| 2011 | $8,112 |
| 2012 | $7,540 |
| 2013 | $7,150 |
| 2014 | $6,760 |
| 2015 | $7,566 |
| 2016 | $8,372 |
| 2017 | $8,736 |
| 2018 | $9,100 |
| 2019 | $9,100 |
| 2020 | $9,100 |
| 2021 | $9,100 |
| 2022 | $9,100 |
What this means for Aitkin County families
Infant center care here takes 16.1% of the typical household income - above the HHS 7% affordability line.
- At 16.1% of income, infant care exceeds the federal 7% affordability benchmark. Check whether your family qualifies for a CCDF subsidy, which can cap copayments at a sliding share of income. Check subsidy eligibility
- See how Aitkin County compares against the cheapest counties in Minnesota. Cheapest in Minnesota
NDCP figures are county-level survey medians for 2022, confirm current tuition and openings directly with providers and your state CCR&R agency.