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County childcare costs · DOL NDCP 2022

Childcare costs in Carter County, KY

$5,895 a year for center-based infant care — 12.5% of the local median income, against a national average of $9,592.

All Kentucky counties Rankings Methodology

Center-based infant care in Carter County, KY costs $5,895/year, while family childcare is $4,175/year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor National Database of Childcare Prices. This represents 12.5% of the median household income — exceeding the HHS 7% affordability threshold. Toddler care at a center costs $5,868/year, and preschool-age care is $5,868/year. This page shows all available care types, age groups, affordability analysis, and year-over-year cost trends for Carter County, KY, KY.

Carter County vs. the nation

At $5,895 a year for center-based infant care, Carter County, KY is 39% below the national average of $9,592 — cheaper than 89% of the 2,662 U.S. counties we track, and that bill eats 12.5% of the local median income against the 7% the federal government calls affordable.

Infant care (center)
$5,895/yr
Vs. national avg
-39%
National rank
#267 cheapest of 2,662
Share of income
12.5%

Source: DOL National Database of Childcare Prices (2022). Median income: U.S. Census ACS 5-year.

$5,895
Center Infant/yr
$4,175
Family Infant/yr
$47,004
Median Income
12.5%
% of Income (Infant)

Annual Childcare Costs by Age Group

Age Group Center-Based Family Childcare
Infant $5,895 $4,175
Toddler $5,868 $4,261
Preschool $5,868 $4,261
School Age $6,215 $3,788

Cost Comparison (Center-Based)

Infant $5,895
Toddler $5,868
Preschool $5,868
School Age $6,215

Where Carter County ranks on infant-care cost

Center-based infant care — every U.S. county with reported prices

$5,895 Among the most affordable more affordable than 89% of 2,662 US counties

$2,500–$5,000: 87 US counties (3%). Below this entry. $5,000–$7,500: 794 US counties (30%). This entry sits in this band. $7,500–$10,000: 780 US counties (29%). Above this entry. $10,000–$12,500: 602 US counties (23%). Above this entry. $12,500–$15,000: 158 US counties (6%). Above this entry. $15,000–$17,500: 133 US counties (5%). Above this entry. $17,500–$20,000: 55 US counties (2%). Above this entry. $20,000–$22,500: 34 US counties (1%). Above this entry. $22,500–$25,000: 9 US counties (0%). Above this entry. $25,000–$27,500: 4 US counties (0%). Above this entry. $27,500–$30,000: 4 US counties (0%). Above this entry. $30,000–$32,500: 2 US counties (0%). Above this entry. This county $2,500 $32,500 every U.S. county, bucketed by value

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 Carter County Families

Center-based infant care in Carter County, KY averages $5,895/year, while family childcare homes charge $4,175/year for the same age group. The gap between the two settings — $1,720 annually for infants — reflects different licensing tracks in KY: centers operate under commercial child care licensing with staff-to-child ratios typically capped at 1:4 for infants and 1:10 for preschoolers, while family child care homes follow small-home rules allowing up to six children with one provider. Preschool-age coverage runs $5,868/year at centers versus $4,261/year in family settings, and school-age wrap-around care averages $6,215/year. These are annualized full-time rates from the NDCP market-rate survey — actual quoted prices swing with QRIS quality tier, accreditation (NAEYC, NAFCC), and whether the provider accepts CCDF subsidy vouchers.

Household affordability in Carter County tracks against a median income of $47,004, putting infant center care at 12.5% of gross income. The HHS benchmark is 7%, meaning the typical family here exceeds the federal affordability line by 5.5 points. Carter County families generally find care more manageable than the national picture, though waitlists at licensed providers remain the real bottleneck. Providers in this cost band typically require two months of tuition as deposit plus non-refundable registration fees of $75-$250.

Finding a licensed provider in Carter County starts with the KY Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency — these nonprofits maintain searchable databases of licensed centers and family homes, note open slots, and handle CCDF subsidy intake. Ask any provider for their current inspection report (publicly available through the state licensing portal), their staff turnover rate, and whether they participate in the state's QRIS quality rating system. For families earning under $39,953, the CCDF subsidy caps parent copayments at a sliding-scale percentage of income. Head Start slots (free for families under 100% federal poverty line) and state-funded pre-K programs fill the preschool tier at zero out-of-pocket cost where available. This 2022 data provides the baseline — always verify current KY licensing status and tuition directly with the provider before enrollment.

Affordability Context

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers childcare affordable when it costs no more than 7% of a family's income.

Center infant cost: $5,895
Median household income: $47,004
Cost as % of income: 12.5%
7% affordability threshold: $3,290/year

Historical Price Trends (2008–2022)

Center-based infant care costs over 2008–2022 (15 years of NDCP data).

+28.3% since 2008
Infant center care: $4,593 → $5,895
$5,895/yr
Most recent annual cost (2022)
15 years
Data available (2008–2022)
2008
$4,593
2009
$4,705
2010
$4,817
2011
$4,929
2012
$5,265
2013
$5,601
2014
$5,843
2015
$6,084
2016
$5,902
2017
$5,720
2018
$5,755
2019
$5,790
2020
$5,825
2021
$5,860
2022
$5,895
View full data table (all care types) ▼
Year Ctr Infant
2008 $4,593
2009 $4,705
2010 $4,817
2011 $4,929
2012 $5,265
2013 $5,601
2014 $5,843
2015 $6,084
2016 $5,902
2017 $5,720
2018 $5,755
2019 $5,790
2020 $5,825
2021 $5,860
2022 $5,895

What this means for Carter County families

Infant center care here takes 12.5% of the typical household income — above the HHS 7% affordability line.

  • At 12.5% 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
  • Family childcare homes run $4,175/year for infants — about $1,720 less than a center. Weigh the trade-offs of each setting. Center vs. home care
  • See how Carter County compares against the cheapest counties in Kentucky. Cheapest in Kentucky

NDCP figures are county-level survey medians for 2022 — confirm current tuition and openings directly with providers and your state CCR&R agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does childcare cost in Carter County, KY? ▼
In Carter County, KY, center-based infant care costs $5,895/year. Family childcare for infants is $4,175/year. Preschool center-based care costs $5,868/year.
Is childcare affordable in Carter County, KY? ▼
Center-based infant care in Carter County, KY costs 12.5% of the median household income ($47,004). The HHS affordability threshold is 7%. Childcare here exceeds the affordability threshold by 5.5 percentage points.
Are childcare costs rising in Carter County, KY? ▼
From 2022 to 2008, center-based infant care in Carter County, KY changed from $5,895 to $4,593 (-22.1%).
What age groups does childcare cost data cover in Carter County, KY? ▼
Data covers four age groups: Infant (0-1), Toddler (1-2), Preschool (3-5), and School Age (6-12). Both center-based and family childcare costs are tracked separately for each age group.
What is the HHS childcare affordability standard? ▼
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines childcare as affordable when it costs no more than 7% of a family's household income. Counties where infant care exceeds 20% of median income are classified as "affordability deserts."
Where does the childcare cost data come from? ▼
All data comes from the National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP), maintained by the U.S. Department of Labor's Women's Bureau. It provides county-level childcare price estimates based on market rate surveys.
What is the cheapest childcare option in Carter County, KY? ▼
Family-based childcare is typically less expensive in Carter County, KY. Preschool family care costs $4,261/year compared to $5,868/year for center-based care — a difference of $1,607/year. Family childcare operates in a provider's home and usually has smaller group sizes.
How much does before- and after-school care cost in Carter County, KY? ▼
School-age childcare (ages 6-12) in Carter County, KY costs $6,215/year for center-based care and $3,788/year for family childcare. These costs cover before-school, after-school, and summer programs while parents work.

Other Counties in Kentucky

Adair County, KY
Infant: $5,001 · 10.1% of income
Allen County, KY
Infant: $7,388 · 12.9% of income
Anderson County, KY
Infant: $7,868 · 11.3% of income
Ballard County, KY
Infant: $6,642 · 11.6% of income
Barren County, KY
Infant: $6,511 · 13.5% of income
Bath County, KY
Infant: $5,895 · 11.5% of income

Childcare Guides

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Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit
Federal CDCTC, FSA limits, and strategies to save on childcare
 🤝
Subsidy & Assistance Programs
CCDF, Head Start, and state assistance — how to apply
 🏡
Center vs Home Childcare
Compare daycare centers, family home care, and nannies
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Employer Childcare Benefits
FSAs, on-site care, backup programs, and negotiation tips

Explore childcare costs across Kentucky

All Kentucky counties
Every priced county in Kentucky, with averages and the statewide affordability picture.
Cheapest childcare in Kentucky
The most affordable counties in Kentucky ranked by annual center-based cost.
Most expensive in Kentucky
Where Kentucky childcare costs the most, and how far above the state average it runs.
Affordability deserts in Kentucky
Counties where childcare exceeds 20% of median household income.
National rankings
Compare Carter County against the cheapest and costliest counties nationwide.
Affordability calculator
See what childcare costs as a share of your own household income.

Data Sources & Methodology

Data as of 2023. Source: U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP).

Childcare cost data from the U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau — National Database of Childcare Prices (NDCP). Costs are annual estimates based on weekly median prices at the county level.

Affordability is measured against the HHS benchmark of 7% of household income. Median household income data from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey.

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Data is sourced from the National Database of Childcare Prices (DOL Women's Bureau). Consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on this data.

Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.

Verify with DOL Women's Bureau NDCP →  ·  Verify with U.S. Census ACS →  ·  Verify with HUD →