Kristi Noem's net worth: A look at the Homeland Security Secretary's finances

Ever wonder how much money the people running the country actually have? Not in a tabloid kind of way—but in that curious, “How rich are the people making big national decisions?” way. Well, let’s talk about Kristi Noem. She’s not just a name in the headlines anymore—she’s now the Secretary of Homeland Security . And while she might give off strong ranch-hand-meets-D.C. energy, her finances are surprisingly down-to-earth for someone in such a powerful role.


So, how much is Kristi Noem actually worth?

According to official financial disclosures she filed with the U.S. Office of Government Ethics in August 2024, Noem’s net worth sits at around $1 million. That might sound like a lot to most of us, but for a top-ranking government official in Washington, it’s pretty modest.


What’s in her portfolio?

Noem’s financial life isn’t built on flashy investments or tech startups—it’s more steady, practical, and very much in line with her roots.


She’s got a solid collection of mutual funds, index funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and other retirement accounts. Altogether, those are worth somewhere between $174,000 and $560,000.


Her bank accounts are doing alright too. According to the filings, she has up to $265,000 in cash savings. Not too shabby!


Noem’s background as a rancher is still part of her financial story. Her livestock and related equipment are valued at up to $100,000. That’s not just sentimental—it’s a legit asset.


It’s not just Kristi bringing in the bucks. Her husband, Bryon Noem , also contributes a good chunk to the family’s financial picture. Bryon owns commercial real estate that’s valued at up to $500,000. He also runs Noem Insurance, a family-owned insurance brokerage. That business is valued somewhere between $1 million and $5 million—a significant portion of the couple’s overall financial footprint. On top of that, Bryon has his own equity fund investments, worth between $67,000 and $315,000.


Her salary: What she’s making now

As Secretary of Homeland Security, Noem pulls in a yearly salary of $250,600. That’s a serious pay bump compared to her last gig as Governor of South Dakota, where she made around $122,000 annually.


Before that, she spent almost a decade in the U.S. House of Representatives (from 2011 to 2019), where members have been earning $174,000 per year since 2009.


While government salaries may not always match the private sector, they’re certainly enough to build a decent net worth—especially when paired with smart investing and a ranch on the side.


In Noem’s case, her finances paint a picture of someone who’s built her wealth the traditional way—through work, public service, and a little South Dakota grit.


So, what can we say about Kristi Noem’s financial life? It’s solid, responsible, and maybe even a little boring—but in the best way possible. In a political world full of billionaires and backroom deals, she stands out as someone whose money story is rooted in hard work and small-town business.