Daycare Centers Market: ZIP 98944
Opportunity Score
46
/ 100
Fair
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 98944 is an suburban area with low foot traffic. with a population of 24,048 and household incomes near the national median ($60,167). There are 8 daycare centers operations in ZIP 98944.
Area Profile
24,048
Population
$60,167
Median Income
-19% vs. national
Suburban
Area Type
4.2/20
Foot Traffic
Very Car-Dependent
Median Age: 28.1 —
young market, strong street food demand.
College-Educated: 4.9% —
value-focused market, keep prices competitive.
Competition
Daycare Centers and related businesses in ZIP 98944.
8
Daycare Centers
Moderate — proven market
3.3 per 10K residents
3
Schools
1.2 per 10K residents
What this means:
Daycare Centers are 72.7% of the relevant market in ZIP 98944 (8 vs. 3 related businesses).
Well-established market — differentiation is non-negotiable.
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$1,360
2BR Fair Market Rent
$959
Median Gross Rent
$230 K
Median Home Value
5
Bank Branches
$460 K deposits
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.
Quick Facts
- Area Type
- Suburban
- Foot Traffic
- Very Car-Dependent
- Daycare Centers
- 8
- Related Businesses
- 3
- Bank Branches
- 5
vs. National Average
Median Income
-19% vs. $74,580
Walkability
-6.3 pts vs. national avg
Nearby Markets
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