National and State Child Care Data Overview

Excerpted from:
National and State Child Care Data Overview
Bipartisan Policy Center
February 6, 2026

A new national snapshot from the Bipartisan Policy Center highlights the scope and scale of America’s child care landscape, providing up-to-date data on access, costs, and economic impact.

The report finds that approximately 14.8 million children under age 5 may need child care, but there are only about 10.8 million formal child care slots available nationwide, leaving a 28 % gap in access. That shortfall not only challenges families and providers but also carries significant economic consequences; over the next decade, the child care gap is projected to cost the U.S. economy between $216 billion and $329 billion in lost earnings, reduced productivity, and lower tax revenue. In Missouri alone, the economic impact is estimated somewhere between $6.16 billion and $9.37 billion.

The analysis shows that families spend an average of $13,128 a year for each child’s care. That amounts to roughly 10% of income for two‑income families and around 35% for single‑income households, with even higher costs in some states. In Missouri, the annual cost of child care is estimated at $11,115, or about 12% of income for two‑income families. Together, these figures illustrate how the availability and affordability of child care shape the lives of working families and influence the broader economy.

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