Combined Public & Private Cost To Raise A Child To Age 18 Averages $502,152

The average combined public and private investment required to raise a child in the United States from birth through age 18 is $502,152, according to a recent analysis. Researchers found substantial disparities in childhood investments based on household income and race, with the largest gaps occurring before age five.

Children from families in the highest household income quartile received approximately $86,000 more in total investment than children from families in the lowest income quartile. Hispanic children received about $73,000 less investment than white children, while Black children received about $55,000 less.

Researchers found that the largest . . .