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Monday, Apr. 7, 2025

Is child care in Nevada affordable by federal standards?

Isabella Aldrete, The Nevada Independent
no

The average cost of child care in Nevada in each of three major categories exceeds the federal definition of “affordable” for families making the state’s median income. 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers care affordable if it costs 7 percent or less of a family’s income. The median household income in Nevada as of 2023 is $75,561, and 7 percent would be $5,289.

This means that the average cost of full-time, center-based care for one child makes up about 17 percent of the median Nevada family’s income, while family child care will take up about 14 percent of a family’s income. Average group care costs will take up about 9.5 percent of the median Nevada family’s income. 

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The Nevada Independent is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news and opinion website founded in 2017 by veteran political journalist and commentator Jon Ralston. The site and its supporting channels are focused on ethical, unbiased and transparent journalism. In general, we aim to gather and disseminate important public information and increase civic engagement. We are supported by corporate donations, memberships, event ticket sales and sponsorships and foundation grants. We disclose all our members and donors. Donors have no influence over our content, ever. The Nevada Independent is the dba for Nevada News Bureau, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2010 by Elizabeth Thompson, who now serves as one of The Nevada Independent's managing directors and its Editor.

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