Kristi Noem’s Net Worth—How the Homeland Security Secretary Built Her Wealth

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has a multimillion-dollar fortune through her time in government, as an author, and via her husband’s insurance business.

Prior to her latest role in President Donald Trump’s administration, Noem was the first female governor of South Dakota, her home state. Before she was elected governor, Noem represented South Dakota in the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019.

Noem and her husband, Bryon, have an estimated net worth of $5 million, according to Forbes. Here’s how Noem made those millions.

Noem’s Government Salary

Noem’s salary as the Secretary of Homeland Security is an estimated $235,100 per year, according to Forbes.

Noem’s most recent financial disclosure showed $241,519 in salary as governor of South Dakota, or about $121,000 annually. She likely earned about $174,000 per year as a member of Congress.

Investments and Businesses

Noem Insurance, owned by Noem’s husband, Bryon, is valued between $1 million and $5 million, per her 2024 financial disclosure. Bryon also owns commercial real estate in Pierre, S.D., valued at over $1 million, according to the disclosure.

Noem’s disclosure shows that she owns livestock and equipment worth up to $100,000. The couple owns pasture land in Castlewood, S.D., valued at between $250,001 and $500,000, which has brought in up to $50,000 in rent or royalties.

Noem, an author, has written several books. She reported a $40,000 advance for her book “Not My First Rodeo: Lessons from the Heartland” on her financial disclosure, as well as a nearly $140,000 advance for her book “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong With Politics and How We Move America Forward.”