The cost for childcare has steadily increased in Dodge County between 2018 and 2023, going up about $2000 per child during that timeframe. And these costs represent ~15%-16% of the county median household income. 

Contributing Factors:

• Federal & State funding.
• Employee programs assisting in childcare expenses. 

Limiting Factors:

• Availability of qualified staff.
• Inability to provide competitive wages. 

American families are often burdened by the high cost of childcare. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) states that “affordable” childcare costs no more than 7% of a family’s income. 

When the cost of child care increases at a higher rate than the median household income, it indicates further struggles for families to afford child care in our communities. 

Data is calculated using the median weekly cost for child care of children ages 0-4. Amounts are annualized.