The cost of childcare in Ohio has emerged as a growing concern for parents, employers, and policymakers, as rising expenses place pressure on household budgets and limit workforce participation.
For families with two young children, including an infant and a preschool-aged child, the annual cost of full-time daycare in Ohio can reach approximately $25,000. That figure represents a significant share of household income, particularly for families near the state’s median household income of about $72,000, according to 2024 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.