Oregon Breaks Into Top 10 for Childcare Costs Despite Earning Less Than Other States
Oregon is the 10th most expensive state in the U.S. to rear a child, according to a new study by the Remax New Jersey Real Estate Network.
Childcare needs cost Oregon parents 25.47% of their annual median income reflected as $50,010.
A closer examination of the results reveals that of the top 10 most expensive childcare states in the country, Oregon parents pay the least amount of money compared to the states holding other nine positions.
| Rank | State | Average centre-based price (2023) | Median Annual Income | % Spend on Average childcare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Massachusetts | $18,380 | $60,690 | 30.29% |
| 2. | New York | $17,119 | $56,840 | 30.12% |
| 3. | Nevada | $13,106 | $44,810 | 29.25% |
| 4. | Hawaii | $14,584 | $50,510 | 28.87% |
| 5. | Minnesota | $14,435 | $50,880 | 28.37% |
| 6. | California | $15,112 | $54,030 | 27.97% |
| 7. | Wisconsin | $12,990 | $47,590 | 27.30% |
| 8. | Connecticut | $15,063 | $56,130 | 26.84% |
| 9. | Vermont | $13,030 | $49,630 | 26.25% |
| 10. | Oregon | $12,738 | $50,010 | 25.47% |
On average, Oregon parents spend $12,738 per child annually, less than any of the other nine states. However, with an annual median income of $50,010, Oregonians earn more than three of the states in the top 10 – Nevada, Wisconsin, and Vermont.
Mississippi Is the Cheapest State to Raise Children
Mississippi is the state where the least amount of money is spent on childcare – $4,636, but the median annual income in that state is $37,500.
Hawaii is the state where parents pay the most for infant care, spending an average of 41.95% of annual income. According to the study, infant care in Massachusetts is also substantial, at 38.21% of the median income.
The five states where families spend the least amount of income on childcare based on average annual income are Mississippi, Kansas ($7,256), South Dakota ($7,115), Kentucky ($7,414), and Arkansas ($6,704).