Daycare Centers Market: ZIP 98542
Opportunity Score
26
/ 100
Challenging
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 98542 is an rural area. with a population of 686 and household incomes near the national median ($61,818).
Area Profile
686
Population
$61,818
Median Income
-17% vs. national
Rural
Area Type
Median Age: 47.5 —
older demographic, may prefer sit-down options.
College-Educated: 3.2% —
value-focused market, keep prices competitive.
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$1,280
2BR Fair Market Rent
$583
Median Gross Rent
$420 K
Median Home Value
Tips for Starting a Daycare Business in Washington
- 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.
- This is a rural ZIP. Your customer radius is wider, marketing costs are lower, but you'll work harder for each lead.
Quick Facts
- Area Type
- Rural
vs. National Average
Median Income
-17% vs. $74,580
Nearby Markets
98591
6.4 mi
Pop: 3,769
$80,278
Walk: 3.8
98582
6.9 mi
Pop: 366
$86,117
98570
8.5 mi
Pop: 5,060
$65,682
Walk: 3.7
98565
12.9 mi
Pop: 484
$68,125
98645
14.1 mi
Pop: 2,195
$102,664
98596
15.9 mi
Pop: 7,276
$75,750
Walk: 5.0
98531
18.9 mi
Pop: 27,356
$61,963
Walk: 8.1
98649
20.1 mi
Pop: 980
$57,167
Walk: 4.2
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