What are the best areas for daycare in Illinois?

The top-rated areas for daycare in Illinois are ZIP 60487 (score: 100/100), ZIP 60203 (score: 100/100), ZIP 61705 (score: 100/100). Rankings are based on walkability, median household income, population density, and existing competition.

What makes a good location for daycare?

A strong location for daycare combines high walkability (foot traffic), solid median income (spending power), sufficient population density, and manageable competition. Our opportunity score weighs all four factors on a 0–100 scale.

How does Illinois compare to other states for daycare?

Illinois averages 100/100 across 20 scored ZIP codes — rated a excellent market. Scores factor in walkability, income, population, and competition.

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Best Cities for Daycare Costs in Illinois

← Illinois Overview

Top 20 ZIP codes ranked by opportunity score. Score combines walkability (foot traffic), population density, median income, and daycare centers competition.

The top markets here average $132,823 in household income. ZIP 60487 leads at 100, $137,426 median income, zero existing daycare centers.

80–100 Excellent 60–79 Good 40–59 Fair <40 Challenging

Sort by:

#	ZIP Code	Score	Walkability	Median Income
#1	ZIP 60487 Pop. 26 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$137,426
#2	ZIP 60203 Pop. 4.7 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$162,208
#3	ZIP 61705 Pop. 13 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$120,470
#4	ZIP 60305 Pop. 11 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$148,711
#5	ZIP 60526 Pop. 13 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$118,831
#6	ZIP 60190 Pop. 12 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$146,775
#7	ZIP 60189 Pop. 31 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$124,886
#8	ZIP 60021 Pop. 5.1 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$122,005
#9	ZIP 62285 Pop. 4.2 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$118,413
#10	ZIP 60552 Pop. 4.6 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$122,375
#11	ZIP 60151 Pop. 4.3 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$121,667
#12	ZIP 62684 Pop. 5.4 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$142,155
#13	ZIP 60404 Pop. 20 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$121,696
#14	ZIP 60464 Pop. 9.9 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$126,220
#15	ZIP 60012 Pop. 12 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$147,352
#16	ZIP 60422 Pop. 9.9 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$134,728
#17	ZIP 60044 Pop. 10 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$127,546
#18	ZIP 60136 Pop. 8.6 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$124,338
#19	ZIP 61525 Pop. 12 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$153,300
#20	ZIP 60124 Pop. 24 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$135,350

Data updated March 2026. Sources: Census Bureau ACS 2023, USDA National Walkability Index 2021, County Business Patterns 2022.

What the Data Shows

Opportunity is spread across Illinois, not locked in one metro. The top ZIPs average $132,823 in household income. The common thread: daycare demand that outpaces supply. These markets have room.

How to Use This Table

Click any ZIP for a full breakdown: demographics, nearby competition, and walkability score. The opportunity score weights income, foot traffic, and competition equally. If your concept skews upscale, sort by Income. If lunch crowds matter more, sort by Walkability.

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