Indianapolis childcare real estate: values, cap rates & market data.
What childcare centers and daycare properties are worth in the Indianapolis market — grounded in our own sold-comps database, our 2025 tuition survey, and U.S. Census data.
Indianapolis, IN childcare market — key figures
The median childcare real estate cap rate in Indiana is 7.27%, based on 13 of 21 sold childcare transactions compiled by Little Scholars Real Estate, at a median sold price of $258 per square foot.
In the Indianapolis, IN metro, 6 national-chain childcare centers surveyed in 2025 reported median monthly tuition of $1,797 for infants and $1,386 for preschool.
The Indianapolis, IN metro has 133,713 children under age five and a median household income of $77,065; its population grew 4.9% and its under-five population declined 1.1% 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).
Steady Midwest growth, full buildings.
Metro Indianapolis grew 4.9% from 2018 to 2023 while its under-5 count held nearly flat, easing just 1.1% — and household income rose 30% to $77,065.
The surveyed schools cluster in the northern growth suburbs — Fishers, Westfield — and run an 88% median occupancy. Indiana comps trade around a 7.3% median cap at $258 per square foot: strong yields with full buildings.
Real rates from Indianapolis-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KinderCare | Indianapolis (E 62nd St) | $1,645 | $1,321 | 97 |
| Kiddie Academy | Fishers (Olio Rd) | $1,949 | $1,451 | 164 |
| Kiddie Academy | Westfield (S Waterleaf Dr) | $2,143 | $1,516 | 172 |
| Kiddie Academy | Westfield (Chatham Commons Blvd) | $2,269 | $1,667 | 154 |
| Childtime | Whiteland (Tracy Rd) | $1,559 | $1,299 | — |
| Childtime | Avon (N IN-267) | $1,645 | $1,251 | — |
What childcare properties trade at in Indiana.
Across our sold-comps database, Indiana childcare properties have typically traded at 7.0–7.7% cap rates, at a median of $258 per square foot, across 21 sales. 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 |
5 childcare properties currently listed for sale in Indiana.
What's your Indianapolis center worth?
An instant, confidential valuation of your business and your property — built on the same data behind this page.