Daycare Centers Market: ZIP 36879
Opportunity Score
56
/ 100
Fair
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 36879 is an urban area with low foot traffic. with a population of 2,975 and household incomes above the national median ($98,750).
Area Profile
2,975
Population
$98,750
Median Income
+32% vs. national
Urban
Area Type
3.5/20
Foot Traffic
Very Car-Dependent
Median Age: 47.1 —
older demographic, may prefer sit-down options.
College-Educated: 33.6% —
balanced market for quality & value.
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$990
2BR Fair Market Rent
$768
Median Gross Rent
$300 K
Median Home Value
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
Median Income
+32% vs. $74,580
Walkability
-7.0 pts vs. national avg
Nearby Markets
36850
8.6 mi
Pop: 2,550
$41,705
36865
9.4 mi
Pop: 48
$47,222
36849
9.9 mi
Pop: 5,224
Walk: 9.9
36832
10.6 mi
Pop: 30,000
$34,957
Walk: 6.7
36801
11.2 mi
Pop: 24,504
$58,256
Walk: 7.8
36862
13.4 mi
Pop: 6,052
$39,510
36830
14.0 mi
Pop: 48,172
$63,761
Walk: 4.7
36853
16.2 mi
Pop: 9,110
$66,767
Walk: 4.5
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