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County childcare costs · DOL NDCP 2022

Childcare costs in Fremont County, CO

$8,635 a year for center-based infant care — 15.4% of the local median income, against a national average of $9,592.

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Center-based infant care in Fremont County, CO costs $8,635/year, while family childcare is $8,694/year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor National Database of Childcare Prices. This represents 15.4% of the median household income — exceeding the HHS 7% affordability threshold. Toddler care at a center costs $7,985/year, and preschool-age care is $12,607/year. This page shows all available care types, age groups, affordability analysis, and year-over-year cost trends for Fremont County, CO, CO.

Fremont County vs. the nation

At $8,635 a year for center-based infant care, Fremont County, CO is 10% below the national average of $9,592 — cheaper than 54% of the 2,662 U.S. counties we track, and that bill eats 15.4% of the local median income against the 7% the federal government calls affordable.

Infant care (center)
$8,635/yr
Vs. national avg
-10%
National rank
#1,230 cheapest of 2,662
Share of income
15.4%

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

$8,635
Center Infant/yr
$8,694
Family Infant/yr
$56,165
Median Income
15.4%
% of Income (Infant)

Annual Childcare Costs by Age Group

Age Group Center-Based Family Childcare
Infant $8,635 $8,694
Toddler $7,985 $7,722
Preschool $12,607 $7,722
School Age $10,845 $5,473

Cost Comparison (Center-Based)

Infant $8,635
Toddler $7,985
Preschool $12,607
School Age $10,845

Where Fremont County ranks on infant-care cost

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

$8,635 Among the most affordable more affordable than 54% of 2,662 US counties

$2,500–$5,000: 87 US counties (3%). Below this entry. $5,000–$7,500: 794 US counties (30%). Below this entry. $7,500–$10,000: 780 US counties (29%). This entry sits in this band. $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 Fremont County Families

Center-based infant care in Fremont County, CO averages $8,635/year, while family childcare homes charge $8,694/year for the same age group. The gap between the two settings — $59 annually for infants — reflects different licensing tracks in CO: 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 $12,607/year at centers versus $7,722/year in family settings, and school-age wrap-around care averages $10,845/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 Fremont County tracks against a median income of $56,165, putting infant center care at 15.4% of gross income. The HHS benchmark is 7%, meaning the typical family here exceeds the federal affordability line by 8.4 points. Between 15-20% of income, Fremont County sits in a high-burden tier where most working families need subsidy help or split shifts to cover care. 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 Fremont County starts with the CO 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 $47,740, 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 CO 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: $8,635
Median household income: $56,165
Cost as % of income: 15.4%
7% affordability threshold: $3,932/year

Historical Price Trends (2008–2022)

Center-based infant care costs over 2014–2022 (3 years of NDCP data).

-4.8% since 2014
Infant center care: $9,071 → $8,635
$8,635/yr
Most recent annual cost (2022)
3 years
Data available (2014–2022)
2014
$9,071
2015
$9,017
2022
$8,635
View full data table (all care types) ▼
Year Ctr Infant
2008 N/A
2009 N/A
2010 N/A
2011 N/A
2012 N/A
2013 N/A
2014 $9,071
2015 $9,017
2016 N/A
2017 N/A
2018 N/A
2019 N/A
2020 N/A
2021 N/A
2022 $8,635

What this means for Fremont County families

Infant center care here takes 15.4% of the typical household income — above the HHS 7% affordability line.

  • At 15.4% 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 Fremont County compares against the cheapest counties in Colorado. Cheapest in Colorado

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 Fremont County, CO? ▼
In Fremont County, CO, center-based infant care costs $8,635/year. Family childcare for infants is $8,694/year. Preschool center-based care costs $12,607/year.
Is childcare affordable in Fremont County, CO? ▼
Center-based infant care in Fremont County, CO costs 15.4% of the median household income ($56,165). The HHS affordability threshold is 7%. Childcare here exceeds the affordability threshold by 8.4 percentage points.
What age groups does childcare cost data cover in Fremont County, CO? ▼
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 Fremont County, CO? ▼
Family-based childcare is typically less expensive in Fremont County, CO. Preschool family care costs $7,722/year compared to $12,607/year for center-based care — a difference of $4,885/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 Fremont County, CO? ▼
School-age childcare (ages 6-12) in Fremont County, CO costs $10,845/year for center-based care and $5,473/year for family childcare. These costs cover before-school, after-school, and summer programs while parents work.

Other Counties in Colorado

Adams County, CO
Infant: $20,405 · 23.6% of income
Alamosa County, CO
Infant: $8,928 · 17.1% of income
Arapahoe County, CO
Infant: $19,625 · 21.3% of income
Archuleta County, CO
Infant: $11,601 · 17.4% of income
Baca County, CO
Infant: $5,400 · 12.8% of income
Bent County, CO
Infant: $5,400 · 11.8% of income

Childcare Guides

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Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit
Federal CDCTC, FSA limits, and strategies to save on childcare
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Subsidy & Assistance Programs
CCDF, Head Start, and state assistance — how to apply
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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 Colorado

All Colorado counties
Every priced county in Colorado, with averages and the statewide affordability picture.
Cheapest childcare in Colorado
The most affordable counties in Colorado ranked by annual center-based cost.
Most expensive in Colorado
Where Colorado childcare costs the most, and how far above the state average it runs.
Affordability deserts in Colorado
Counties where childcare exceeds 20% of median household income.
National rankings
Compare Fremont 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 →