What are the best areas for daycare in North Carolina?

The top-rated areas for daycare in North Carolina are ZIP 28207 (score: 100/100), ZIP 28211 (score: 100/100), ZIP 28223 (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 North Carolina compare to other states for daycare?

North Carolina averages 96/100 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 North Carolina

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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 $132,907 in household income, with 20.0 existing daycare centers per ZIP. ZIP 28207 leads at 100, $212,348 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	Daycare Centers
#1	ZIP 28207 Pop. 9.7 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$212,348	0
#2	ZIP 28211 Pop. 33 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$130,221	0
#3	ZIP 28223 Pop. 4.2 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	—	0
#4	ZIP 28278 Pop. 36 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$121,366	0
#5	ZIP 28310 Pop. 10 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	—	0
#6	ZIP 27608 Pop. 13 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$155,433	0
#7	ZIP 27571 Pop. 8.9 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$129,340	0
#8	ZIP 27562 Pop. 5 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$168,804	0
#9	ZIP 27310 Pop. 8.6 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$149,743	0
#10	ZIP 27358 Pop. 15 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$128,843	0
#11	ZIP 28277 Pop. 72 Thousand	96 Excellent	—	$122,223	22
#12	ZIP 28078 Pop. 70 Thousand	95 Excellent	—	$120,503	21
#13	ZIP 27958 Pop. 14 Thousand	94 Excellent	—	$109,634	0
#14	ZIP 27949 Pop. 8.1 Thousand	94 Excellent	—	$109,443	0
#15	ZIP 27929 Pop. 3.3 Thousand	92 Excellent	—	$122,558	0
#16	ZIP 27503 Pop. 5.1 Thousand	92 Excellent	—	$107,173	0
#17	ZIP 28374 Pop. 20 Thousand	92 Excellent	—	$106,746	0
#18	ZIP 27519 Pop. 68 Thousand	92 Excellent	—	$159,414	19
#19	ZIP 27502 Pop. 47 Thousand	91 Excellent	—	$137,088	18
#20	ZIP 27235 Pop. 5 Thousand	90 Excellent	—	$101,440	0

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 North Carolina, not locked in one metro. The top ZIPs average $132,907 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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