Childcare costs in Jackson County, IL
$13,734 a year for center-based infant care — 30.6% of the local median income, against a national average of $9,592.
Center-based infant care in Jackson County, IL costs $13,734/year, while family childcare is $9,780/year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor National Database of Childcare Prices. This represents 30.6% of the median household income — exceeding the HHS 7% affordability threshold. Toddler care at a center costs $11,353/year, and preschool-age care is $9,620/year. This page shows all available care types, age groups, affordability analysis, and year-over-year cost trends for Jackson County, IL, IL.
Jackson County vs. the nation
At $13,734 a year for center-based infant care, Jackson County, IL is 43% above the national average of $9,592 — cheaper than 11% of the 2,662 U.S. counties we track, and that bill eats 30.6% of the local median income against the 7% the federal government calls affordable.
- Infant care (center)
- $13,734/yr
- Vs. national avg
- +43%
- National rank
- #2,359 cheapest of 2,662
- Share of income
- 30.6%
Source: DOL National Database of Childcare Prices (2022). Median income: U.S. Census ACS 5-year.
- $13,734
- Center Infant/yr
- $9,780
- Family Infant/yr
- $44,847
- Median Income
- 30.6%
- % of Income (Infant)
Annual Childcare Costs by Age Group
| Age Group | Center-Based | Family Childcare |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $13,734 | $9,780 |
| Toddler | $11,353 | $8,233 |
| Preschool | $9,620 | $8,237 |
| School Age | N/A | $1,446 |
Cost Comparison (Center-Based)
Where Jackson County ranks on infant-care cost
Center-based infant care — every U.S. county with reported prices
$13,734 Among the most affordable more affordable than 11% 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 Jackson County Families
Center-based infant care in Jackson County, IL averages $13,734/year, while family childcare homes charge $9,780/year for the same age group. The gap between the two settings — $3,954 annually for infants — reflects different licensing tracks in IL: 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 $9,620/year at centers versus $8,237/year in family settings, and school-age wrap-around care averages N/A/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 Jackson County tracks against a median income of $44,847, putting infant center care at 30.6% of gross income. The HHS benchmark is 7%, meaning the typical family here exceeds the federal affordability line by 23.6 points. At over 20% of income, Jackson County qualifies as an affordability desert — counties where childcare competes with housing and healthcare for household budget share. 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 Jackson County starts with the IL 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 $38,120, 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 IL 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.
Historical Price Trends (2008–2022)
Center-based infant care costs over 2008–2022 (15 years of NDCP data).
View full data table (all care types) ▼
| Year | Ctr Infant |
|---|---|
| 2008 | $7,054 |
| 2009 | $7,371 |
| 2010 | $7,688 |
| 2011 | $7,874 |
| 2012 | $8,060 |
| 2013 | $8,320 |
| 2014 | $8,580 |
| 2015 | $8,649 |
| 2016 | $8,718 |
| 2017 | $8,718 |
| 2018 | $8,718 |
| 2019 | $9,972 |
| 2020 | $11,226 |
| 2021 | $12,480 |
| 2022 | $13,734 |
What this means for Jackson County families
Infant center care here takes 30.6% of the typical household income — above the HHS 7% affordability line.
- At 30.6% 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 $9,780/year for infants — about $3,954 less than a center. Weigh the trade-offs of each setting. Center vs. home care
- See how Jackson County compares against the cheapest counties in Illinois. Cheapest in Illinois
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 Jackson County, IL? ▼
Is childcare affordable in Jackson County, IL? ▼
Are childcare costs rising in Jackson County, IL? ▼
What age groups does childcare cost data cover in Jackson County, IL? ▼
What is the HHS childcare affordability standard? ▼
Where does the childcare cost data come from? ▼
What is the cheapest childcare option in Jackson County, IL? ▼
Other Counties in Illinois
Childcare Guides
Explore childcare costs across Illinois
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.
Related
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 →