The median distance traveled for center-based child care varied substantially by community. The median distance traveled was less than two miles in a many communities on the Far North Side of the city.

The median distance traveled to center-based care was 2.03 miles for the city of Chicago in 2003. The median distance was two miles or less in thirty-five communities. In six communities, the median distance traveled to center-based care was one mile or less. In contrast, the median distance traveled exceeded three miles in twenty-three communities. The distance traveled to center-based care exceeded six miles in Fuller Park, New City, Near North Side, East Side, and East Garfield Park.