The Impact of Childcare Costs on Families' Financial Security
In-depth

In May 2024, Count on Mothers surveyed 1,048 mothers across 48 states and the political spectrum to examine how childcare costs and access affect family financial security. Mothers shared quantitative responses and open-ended insights based on firsthand experience. Findings show that childcare expenses and availability have significant, measurable impacts on household income, savings, and long-term earning potential across families nationwide.

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May 31, 2024
Related themes:

Shared Priorities and Cross-Partisan Alignment Among Mothers

  • Childcare consumes a significant share of household income:
    Among mothers who pay for childcare, 55% spend more than 10% of household income, and 37% spend more than 15%, indicating substantial financial strain.
  • Childcare costs undermine financial stability:
    Nearly 7 in 10 mothers say childcare expenses directly limit their ability to save for emergencies, education, or retirement, and more than half report that lack of access to childcare has contributed to financial insecurity.
  • Reduced earnings are common:
    Over 60% of mothers report reduced household net income due to childcare needs, and a similar share say they have cut work hours or earnings to manage caregiving responsibilities.
  • Reliance on informal care is widespread:
    About 72% of mothers rely primarily on family members, partners, or themselves for childcare during working hours rather than paid care.
  • Long-term earning potential is at risk:
    More than half of mothers believe taking time out of the workforce for childcare has negatively affected their future earning potential, with variation by political affiliation.
  • Mothers call for affordability and systemic solutions:
    In open-ended responses, mothers most frequently suggested lowering or capping childcare costs, increasing public subsidies, employer-based childcare supports, and more flexible work arrangements.
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Methodology
Count on Mothers conducts nationwide surveys and qualitative research with U.S. mothers. Findings are analyzed and reported in aggregate to inform research publications and decision-making related to families.
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