Daycare Centers Market: ZIP 36849
Opportunity Score
74
/ 100
Good
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 36849 is an urban area with low foot traffic.
Area Profile
5,224
Population
Urban
Area Type
9.9/20
Foot Traffic
Very Car-Dependent
Median Age: 19.6 —
young market, strong street food demand.
College-Educated: 0.0% —
value-focused market, keep prices competitive.
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$1,210
2BR Fair Market Rent
Tips for Starting a Daycare Business in Alabama
- Licensing comes first. State childcare licensing takes 3-6 months in most states. Start that paperwork before you sign a lease.
- Staff-to-child ratios are set by law and they dictate your entire cost structure. Know your state's ratios before building a financial model.
- Location matters more than marketing. Parents pick daycares within 10 minutes of home or work. Proximity to commuter routes beats a nice website.
- Insurance costs $3,000-$10,000/year depending on your state and capacity. Get quotes early. Some carriers won't cover home-based operations.
Quick Facts
- Area Type
- Urban
- Foot Traffic
- Very Car-Dependent
vs. National Average
Walkability
-0.6 pts vs. national avg
Nearby Markets
36830
4.4 mi
Pop: 48,172
$63,761
Walk: 4.7
36832
6.8 mi
Pop: 30,000
$34,957
Walk: 6.7
36865
6.9 mi
Pop: 48
$47,222
36879
9.9 mi
Pop: 2,975
$98,750
Walk: 3.5
36801
10.1 mi
Pop: 24,504
$58,256
Walk: 7.8
36804
10.8 mi
Pop: 19,469
$57,842
36866
15.6 mi
Pop: 3,540
$61,728
Walk: 4.4
36850
17.3 mi
Pop: 2,550
$41,705
Check Another Market
Or estimate costs with the DaycareCalc calculator.
About This Data
Data sources
U.S. Census Bureau (ACS, ZBP) · HUD Fair Market Rents · EPA Walkability Index · USDA RUCA · IRS SOI · FDIC Summary of Deposits