Daycare Cost in Shelby County, TN
Childcare pricing data for Shelby County, Tennessee (2022). Population: 926,440.
Compared to Tennessee Average
Center-based infant care in Shelby County costs $11,007/year, which is $3,146 more (40% above average) compared to the Tennessee average of $7,861/year.
All Childcare Prices
| Care Type | Weekly | Annual (52 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| Center-Based Infant | $212/week | $11,007 |
| Center-Based Toddler | $146/week | $7,610 |
| Center-Based Preschool | $146/week | $7,610 |
| Family Infant | $155/week | $8,060 |
| Family Toddler | $128/week | $6,670 |
| Family Preschool | $128/week | $6,670 |
Affordability Context
The median household income in Shelby County is $59,621. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers childcare affordable when it costs no more than 7% of household income. At 18%, center-based infant care in Shelby County exceeds this threshold.
Childcare in Shelby County, TN
Shelby County, centered on Memphis, has a population of 930,000 and an economy anchored by FedEx's world headquarters (the county's largest private employer), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, International Paper, and the logistics sector built around Memphis International Airport — the busiest cargo airport in the world. The county has a majority Black population and significant poverty rates, creating intense demand for subsidized and affordable childcare. Infant care averages around $8,476 per year, among the more affordable rates for a metro this size, though even this cost is a substantial burden for many families. The overnight and shift work associated with logistics and healthcare creates unique demand for non-traditional-hour childcare.
Finding Care
East Memphis, Germantown, and Collierville have the densest concentration of quality childcare centers, serving the county's more affluent eastern communities. South Memphis, North Memphis, and the Frayser area face acute childcare deserts, with far fewer licensed providers per capita and limited quality-rated options. The overnight shift schedules at FedEx hub operations create demand for evening and nighttime childcare that most providers don't offer. Tennessee's Star-Quality program rates participating providers, with the highest-rated programs concentrated in the eastern suburbs.
Local Resources
Memphis/Shelby County Child Care Resource and Referral, operated through Porter-Leath, provides referrals and subsidy navigation through Tennessee's Child Care Certificate program. Porter-Leath also operates one of the largest Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Tennessee, with over 50 sites across Shelby County. The Urban Child Institute, a Memphis-based research and advocacy organization, publishes annual data books on early childhood well-being in the county and has significantly influenced local investment in early childhood programs.
Find Childcare Near You
Looking for daycare, babysitters, or nannies in Shelby County, Tennessee? Search trusted childcare providers in your area.
We may earn a commission when you sign up through these links. Learn more.
Other Counties in Tennessee
Counties with similar daycare costs to Shelby County.
| County | Center Infant (yr) | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Anderson County | $11,007 | same |
| Blount County | $11,007 | same |
| Bradley County | $11,007 | same |
| Cheatham County | $11,007 | same |
| Davidson County | $11,007 | same |