Albuquerque childcare real estate: values, cap rates & market data.
What childcare centers and daycare properties are worth in the Albuquerque market — grounded in our own sold-comps database, our 2025 tuition survey, and U.S. Census data.
Albuquerque, NM childcare market — key figures
The median childcare real estate cap rate in the United States is 7.11%, based on 370 of 592 sold childcare transactions compiled by Little Scholars Real Estate, at a median sold price of $322 per square foot.
In the Albuquerque, NM metro, 7 national-chain childcare centers surveyed in 2025 reported median monthly tuition of $1,416 for infants and $1,267 for preschool.
The Albuquerque, NM metro has 46,282 children under age five and a median household income of $67,995; its population grew 0.9% and its under-five population declined 11.9% between 2018 and 2023.
Little Scholars Real Estate is a childcare-only business and real estate brokerage led by Alan Stahl, with 80 transactions closed across 18+ states.
Sources: Little Scholars Real Estate sold-comps database (592 childcare transactions across 41 states, updated June 2026); Little Scholars 2025 tuition survey, rates received directly from individual schools; U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2018 and 2023). Figures may be cited or republished with attribution to Little Scholars Real Estate (CC BY 4.0).
A one-brand market — and an affordability story.
Albuquerque's under-5 population fell 11.9% from 2018 to 2023 while the metro held flat and median household income rose 31% to $67,995. Fewer new children make established, full centers the scarce asset.
Every national-chain school we surveyed here is a La Petite Academy — a one-brand market — with tuition among the most affordable we track ($1,416 median infant) and an 85% median occupancy across schools reporting exact enrollment.
Real rates from Albuquerque-market schools.
Actual monthly tuition rates our team received from national-chain schools in this market during our 2025 survey — not averages. Tuition drives revenue, and revenue drives value.
| Brand | Location | Infant / mo | Pre-K / mo | Licensed capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Petite Academy | Albuquerque (Fortuna Rd NW) | $1,264 | $1,078 | 129 |
| La Petite Academy | Albuquerque (Kachina St NW) | $1,663 | $1,277 | 174 |
| La Petite Academy | Albuquerque (Towner Ave NE) | $1,407 | $1,121 | 135 |
| La Petite Academy | Albuquerque (Anaheim Ave NE) | $1,641 | $1,446 | 186 |
| La Petite Academy | Albuquerque (New Vistas Ct NW) | $1,645 | $1,256 | 274 |
| La Petite Academy | Rio Rancho (Quantum Rd) | $1,416 | $1,325 | 123 |
| La Petite Academy | Rio Rancho (Southern Blvd) | $1,243 | — | 108 |
What childcare properties trade at nationally.
Across our sold-comps database of 592 childcare transactions in 41 states, properties have typically traded at 6.7–7.7% cap rates, with a national median of 7.11% and $322 per square foot. Our two New Mexico sales traded around a 6.75% cap. Where your property lands comes down to tenant credit, lease term, and the site itself.
| Brand (national) | Median sold cap | Median $/SF |
|---|---|---|
| KinderCare | 6.67% | $381 |
| La Petite Academy | 6.89% | $207 |
| Kiddie Academy | 6.46% | $378 |
| Tutor Time | 8.47% | $372 |
| Childtime | 6.20% | $262 |
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