Kristi Lynn Noem, born November 30, 1971, is an American politician. She was South Dakota’s 33rd governor from 2019 to 2025 and represented the state in Congress from 2011 to 2019. In 2025, President Donald Trump chose her as Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Senate confirmed her on January 24, 2025. Noem’s brief time as Secretary was controversial, with criticism over immigration enforcement and personal conduct. She was dismissed in March 2026. After leaving office, she went back to ranching in South Dakota and continues to face public attention. Age Kristi Noem was born on November 30, 1971, in Watertown, South Dakota. As of March 2026, she is 54 years old. Religion Kristi Noem is a Protestant Christian and has been part of the Foursquare Church. She often talks about how her faith guides her values, decisions, and leadership. As governor and later as Secretary of Homeland Security, she frequently mentioned biblical principles, especially about family, personal responsibility, and national security. Noem says her beliefs are rooted in evangelical Christianity, and she has attended services in Watertown and other South Dakota towns. Her faith is a key part of her public identity. Height Kristi Noem is approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall. Her height is average for women and has never been a major topic in her public life or media coverage. She maintains a fit and active lifestyle, often sharing photos from ranch work, horseback riding, and outdoor activities that reflect her rural South Dakota roots. Husband Kristi Noem has been married to Bryon Noem since 1992. Bryon, born in 1970, is a rancher and businessman who mostly stays out of the public eye. They met in high school in Hamlin County, South Dakota, and married young. Bryon has supported Kristi during her time in Congress, as governor, and as Secretary of Homeland Security. They live on their ranch near Castlewood, South Dakota, where they raise cattle and run their agricultural business. Bryon sometimes joins Kristi at campaign events and family gatherings, but he prefers a private life focused on farming and family. As of March 2026, Kristi and Bryon are still married and continue to run their ranch together. Net Worth In 2026, Kristi Noem’s net worth is estimated to be between $4 and $8 million. Her income comes from several sources: Salary as U.S. Representative ($174,000 annually, 2011–2019) Salary as Governor of South Dakota (approximately $130,000 annually, 2019–2025) Salary as Secretary of Homeland Security (approximately $221,400 annually for her brief tenure in 2025–2026) Ranching and farming income from family operations in South Dakota Book royalties from two autobiographies: Not My First Rodeo: Lessons from the Heartland (2022) and No Going Back (2024) Speaking engagements and media appearances (especially during and after her governorship) Investments and real estate holdings Her net worth is modest compared to many national politicians, which reflects her rural background and focus on family ranching. There have been no major controversies about her personal finances. Profile Summary Full Name Kristi Lynn Noem (née Arnold) Date of Birth November 30, 1971 Age (March 2026) 54 Height 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) Religion Protestant Christian (Foursquare Church) Husband Bryon Noem (married 1992–present) Children Three (Kassidy, Kennedy, Booker) Net Worth (2026 est.) $4–8 million Career Highlights U.S. House (2011–2019); Governor of South Dakota (2019–2025); Secretary of Homeland Security (Jan–Mar 2026) Recent Status Fired from DHS role in March 2026; returned to ranching in South Dakota Kristi Noem quickly moved from ranching to serving in Congress, then as governor, and later as Secretary of Homeland Security. At 54, she returned to private life on her family ranch, focusing on family, faith, and business.