Kristi Noem Height and Age: Complete Biography

Kristi Noem transitioned from managing a South Dakota family ranch to leading the Department of Homeland Security, embodying a journey of conservative resilience. Born in 1971, she is 54 years old and has built a political career on her foundation as a farmer and small businesswoman.

Her physical presence, often noted as 5 feet 7 to 8 inches tall, mirrors her political stature, which grew nationally during her tenure as the first female Governor of South Dakota. Now, as Secretary of Homeland Security, she continues to advocate for conservative policies, particularly those concerning border security and immigration.

Kristi Noem Quick Facts

Attribute	Detail
Full Name	Kristi Lynn Arnold Noem
Date of Birth	November 30, 1971
Age (2025)	54 Years Old
Spouse	Bryon Noem (m. 1992)
Children	Kassidy, Kennedy, and Booker
Current Role	U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security (since Jan 2025)
Height (Estimated)	5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 8 inches
Net Worth (Estimated)	$1 Million to $5 Million

Born: November 30, 1971, in Watertown, South Dakota.

Age: 54 years old (as of late 2025).

Current Role: 8th United States Secretary of Homeland Security (since January 25, 2025).

Political Party: Republican.

Former Major Role: 33rd Governor of South Dakota (2019–2025), and the state’s first female governor.

Previous Political Experience: Served in the U.S. House of Representatives (2011–2019) and the South Dakota House of Representatives (2007–2011).

Education: Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from South Dakota State University (graduated in 2012 while serving in Congress).

Early Life: Raised on a family farm and ranch; left college temporarily in 1994 to manage the farm after her father’s death.

Occupation: Politician, Rancher, Farmer, and Small Business Owner.

Spouse: Bryon Noem (married 1992).

Children: Three (Kassidy, Kennedy, and Booker).

Key Publications: Author of the memoirs Not My First Rodeo: Lessons from the Heartland (2022) and No Going Back (2024).

Political Stance Highlight: Gained national attention for her “hands-off” approach to the COVID-19 pandemic, refusing to issue statewide lockdowns or mask mandates.

Personal Detail: She is a lifelong South Dakota resident and an avid hunter.

Early Life and Background

Kristi Lynn Arnold grew up in Watertown, South Dakota, surrounded by open fields and long workdays on her family’s farm. Her childhood was shaped by early mornings, livestock chores and the steady rhythm of rural life. These daily responsibilities taught her discipline and a sense of purpose from a young age. They also helped define the conservative values she still carries today.

Her life took a sharp turn in 1994 when her father died in a grain bin accident. She left college and stepped into the demanding role of managing the family ranch. The tragedy pushed her to become a leader long before she entered politics. It also strengthened her belief in resilience, responsibility, and staying grounded in her roots.

Age and Physical Appearance

Kristi Noem was born in 1971, which makes her 54 years old as of late 2025. Kristi Noem public presence is often noted for its disciplined and fit appearance, reflecting her active ranch lifestyle.

She frequently engages in outdoor activities like hunting and horseback riding, maintaining an athletic physique.  Noem has been described as a staunch and confident figure in the political arena.

Kristi Noem Height and Weight (Detailed)

Noem’s height is generally cited in the range of 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 8 inches (170-173 cm). This relatively tall stature gives her a commanding figure in public life.

Her weight is estimated to be around 128 pounds (58 kg), a measurement consistent with her active, healthy lifestyle. This physical discipline is often highlighted alongside her political strength.

Family, Siblings and Personal Life

Noem is one of four children born to Ron and Corinne Arnold and remains close to her family. She is married to Bryon Noem, who runs an insurance business and manages their ranch.

The couple shares three adult children: Kassidy, Kennedy, and Booker, and they are grandparents. Her family life, including Bryon’s support, has been a cornerstone of her public identity.

• Kassidy Noem: Married to Kyle Peters; she was involved in a controversy regarding her real estate appraiser license.
• Kennedy Noem: Previously worked in her mother’s gubernatorial administration and now operates a Pilates studio.
• Booker Noem: The youngest child, he often remains out of the national political spotlight.

Education and Early Career

Noem graduated from Hamlin High School in 1990 and was crowned South Dakota Snow Queen. She initially attended Northern State University, then transferred to South Dakota State University.

She paused her studies to manage the farm after her father’s death but later completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from South Dakota State University in 2012 while serving in Congress. Her early experience as a rancher and small business owner provided crucial real-world expertise.

Political Journey and Career Highlights

Noem began her political ascent by serving in the South Dakota House of Representatives in 2007. She rose quickly, gaining national attention after winning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010.

She was elected the first female Governor of South Dakota in 2018, serving until January 2025. Her tenure focused on limiting government intervention and refusing a statewide mask mandate during the pandemic.  In 2025, she was nominated and confirmed as the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.

Net Worth and Sources of Income

Kristi Noem’s estimated net worth is generally valued between $1 million and $5 million. This wealth is considered modest for a top federal official, reflecting her Midwestern background.

Her income stems from multiple, practical sources, including her salary, book royalties, and the family’s business interests.

• Government Salary: She earns $250,600 annually as Secretary of Homeland Security, a substantial increase from her governor salary.
• Family Business: Her husband, Bryon Noem, owns a highly valued insurance agency and commercial real estate.
• Assets: She owns agricultural interests, livestock, equipment, and cash savings, confirming her deep ties to farming.

Lifestyle and Personal Interests

Kristi Noem maintains an active, ranch-centric lifestyle despite her demanding political career. She often emphasizes the importance of the outdoors and physical activity for her personal well-being.

She frequently engages in horseback riding, hunting, and working on her family’s ranch.¹ Noem credits her rural background for teaching her the discipline and endurance necessary for leadership.

Her public image highlights a strong, independent, and grounded figure who prioritizes fitness and family time. This commitment is seen as a key part of her appeal to conservative voters.

Social Media Presence and Public Image

Noem utilizes platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook to connect directly with the public. Her social media often features a mix of political updates and personal photos.

These posts often showcase her family, faith, and rural activities like hunting and riding. Her digital presence aims to project an authentic, patriotic, and relatable image of a leader from the American heartland.

This balance between traditional values and modern communication has made her a highly visible figure in national politics. Her public image is built on self-reliance and staunch conservatism.

Awards, Recognition and Notable Facts

Noem achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first female Governor of South Dakota in 2018. This historical election cemented her status as a trailblazing leader in the state.

She has received national attention for her COVID-19 response, which prioritized personal freedom over government mandates. Early in her life, she was also crowned South Dakota Snow Queen in 1990.

• She served as the sole member of the U.S. House of Representatives for South Dakota for four terms.
• She is a published author who uses her platform to advocate for rural development and conservative policies.
• In January 2025, she became the 8th U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, marking her entry into a top federal cabinet role.

Controversies and Public Perception

Noem has faced significant controversies that have drawn intense national scrutiny. One major incident involved her publicly admitting to shooting her dog, Cricket, and an unruly goat.

Another widely reported controversy involved the alleged intervention for her daughter’s real estate appraiser license. These events have sometimes damaged her credibility and national favorability ratings. 

She has also drawn criticism for controversial remarks about tribal leaders in South Dakota, leading to her being banned from some tribal lands.  Her outspokenness and staunch conservative positions often generate both strong support and intense backlash. 

Books, Speeches and Influence

Kristi Noem is the author of two major memoirs: Not My First Rodeo (2022) and No Going Back (2024).  These books blend her personal life story with her political philosophy and leadership lessons.

Her speeches consistently focus on faith, family values, limited government, and American freedom. She uses her platform to influence the national conservative movement, often positioning herself as a role model for women in politics.

Her willingness to share “tough decisions” and “unvarnished” views has defined her unique political brand and influence.  This approach has positioned her as a key figure in the Republican Party’s future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kristi Noem’s height?

She stands between 5 feet 7 inches and 5 feet 8 inches tall.

How old is Kristi Noem in 2025?

She is 54 years old in 2025.

What is Kristi Noem’s net worth?

Her estimated net worth ranges from one million to five million dollars.

Who is Kristi Noem’s husband?

She is married to Bryon Noem.

What are Kristi Noem’s main lifestyle interests?

She enjoys horseback riding, hunting, and outdoor ranch activities.

Conclusion

Kristi Noem’s story reflects a life shaped by resilience, responsibility, and deep ties to her South Dakota roots. Her path from managing a family ranch to serving in major leadership roles shows a steady rise built on discipline and determination. She remains a national figure whose decisions spark both strong support and active debate. Her journey continues to draw attention as she balances public service, personal values, and a grounded rural identity.