Photo courtesy of Texas Women’s Foundation.
Dallas County families, particularly mothers with young children, lose an estimated $1.63 billion in earnings each year because of a lack of affordable and accessible childcare, according to a new report from the Texas Women’s Foundation.
The report, Addressing the Texas Childcare Crisis, found that approximately 43,400 Dallas County mothers with young children remain outside the labor force due in large part to childcare barriers. Researchers estimate those lost earnings correspond to about $3.19 billion in annual Gross Regional Product losses for the county.
If childcare challenges remain unaddressed, the report projects long-term economic losses of $562 million to $859 million for Dallas County over the next decade. Statewide losses are estimated to reach between $5.5 billion and $8.3 billion during the same period.
“The takeaway from this research is clear: Strong childcare systems provide essential economic infrastructure allowing women to participate fully, consistently and productively in the workforce, stabilizing household earnings and supporting long-term economic growth,” said Karen Hughes White, president and CEO of the Texas Women’s Foundation, in a press release.
Additionally, the report found that center-based infant care in Texas costs more than $11,000 annually on average. This represents 12.5% of the median family income in Dallas County.
With more than half of Texas counties considered childcare deserts, an estimated 111,490 Texas children lack access to care within a reasonable driving distance — a 7.9% average access gap that grows to 12.8% in rural areas.
Women make up 46% of the Texas workforce, according to the report, and the foundation argues that expanding childcare access is critical to maintaining workforce participation and economic growth.
The report comes as the Texas Women’s Foundation and a coalition of local business and community leaders announced the Dallas Child Care Works initiative, which urges Dallas County commissioners to place a proposed property tax increase on the November 2026 ballot.
If approved by voters, the proposal would levy an additional 3 cents per $100 of assessed property value — approximately $10 per homeowner per month — and generate an estimated $132 million annually for childcare scholarships and infrastructure investments.
White emphasized the importance of affordable childcare for families and the state’s economy.
“Access to affordable childcare and out-of-school care is imperative to creating a strong and vibrant Texas for all, while ensuring the economic security, stability and success of Texas women, their families and their futures,” she said.
