Nope, not housing! Childcare!
I’m sure I didn’t need to tell Wisconsin parents that, but just in case it feels like chilcare eats up so much of your budget, here’s some back up to help confirm that!
According to a 2008 report from the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, Wisconsin is the least affordable state for parents purchasing child care for 4-year-olds at a center ($10,473) and 2nd least affordable state for infant care in a center. ($12,350/yr.)
The report compared the average costs of full-time child care with the state median income for two-parent families and for single parents. Wisconsin also ranked as the second least affordable state for school-age care in a center. The report also found that child care prices are high relative to other household expenses.
Click here for more information.
Other things to note:
– In every region of the United States, average child care fees for an infant are higher than the average amount families spend on food.
– In every state, monthly child care fees for two children at any age exceed the median rent cost and are nearly as high as or even higher than the average monthly mortgage payment.
– In 44 states and District of Columbia, the average annual price for child care for an infant in a child care center is higher than a year’s tuition at a four year public college.
– The average annual price for care of two children (one infant and one 4-year old child) ranges from 48% – 102% of the state median income for single parents.
It’s worth checking out the report . . . if you’re into that kind of thing!
