Idaho, with almost a million and a half residents, might not be a large state, but with 271,000 children under the age of 11, childcare is certainly necessary. 16 percent of families in Idaho are under the poverty line, requiring a single parent or both parents in a two-parent household to work outside the home. This means there needs to be a lot of childcare for all of these working families.
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As of 2011 there are just over 1,600 childcare facilities in the state. Of these facilities, almost 500 are childcare centers and 1,100 are home-based childcare centers. In total this creates over 31,000 childcare spaces for children under the age of 11.
Costs of childcare in Idaho are on the low end of the national average. Care for infants is between $5,500 and $6,500, between $5,000 and $5,500 for 4-year-olds, and around $4,700 for school-age children. When compared to income for both two-parent and single parent homes, these costs are more affordable than in other parts of the country. Two-parent homes report that childcare takes 10 percent of their income each year, where single mothers say that childcare costs take up 28 percent of their yearly income. In order to bring these percentages down, more than 20 percent of children in childcare receive some form of financial aid.
With such a need for quality childcare in the state, workers are in high demand in this industry. Currently there are about 3,000 childcare workers in statewide. Salaries in this field, however, are lower than the national average at $17,300 a year, where the national average is about $21,100.
Idaho is a beautiful state and a great place to raise a family. The state offers many activities and places of interest for families to visit. The Boise Zoo has 11 acres of wild animals, which includes a large birds of prey display. Craters of the Moon National Monument is a large lava field with many beautiful natural lava formations. Idaho is also home to terrific ski resorts, including Bogus Basin Ski Resort and Kelly Canyon Ski Resort.
With plenty of things for families to do and quality affordable childcare, Idaho is a great place for a family with young children to settle down.
