---
title: National and State Child Care Data Overview
description: Child-care gaps cost the U.S. economy $172 billion annually, affecting workforce participation, productivity, and tax revenues. Learn about the economic impact and potential policy solutions.
---

[Partner Publication | Child Care Aware of Missouri](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication)

# [National and State Child Care Data Overview](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/cd-national-and-state-child-care-data)

 Written by [Child Care Aware® of Missouri](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/author/child-care-aware-of-missouri) | Jun 16, 2026, 1:32:41 AM

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.

Read the full overview:  
[https://bipartisanpolicy.org/article/state-child-care-data-2025-update/](https://bipartisanpolicy.org/article/state-child-care-data-2025-update/)

The data you need when you need it. Contact CCAMO today.

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***Child Care Aware® of Missouri – Data & Analysis Services***

 

 

Explore our other Child Care Aware® of Missouri resources:

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[Child Care Health and Wellness](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/child-care-nutrition-and-physical-activity)  
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[Missouri Office of Childhood Updates](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/missouri-office-of-childhood-updates)  
[Show Me Child Care Resources](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/show-me-child-care-resources)  
[Support Child Care Aware® of Missouri](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/support-child-care-aware)  
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