Kristi Noem height has become one of the most searched queries about the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, sparking curiosity among Americans nationwide.
Standing at approximately 5 feet 7.5 inches tall, Kristi Noem commands attention not just through her physical stature but through her remarkable political journey.
From her humble beginnings on a South Dakota ranch to becoming the first female governor of the state and eventually leading the Department of Homeland Security, Noem’s story represents resilience, conservative values, and unwavering determination.
Quick Facts About Kristi Noem
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kristi Lynn Arnold Noem |
| Date of Birth | November 30, 1971 |
| Age (2026) | 54 years old |
| Height | 5 feet 7.5 inches (171 cm) |
| Weight | 128 lbs (58 kg) |
| Birthplace | Watertown, South Dakota, USA |
| Current Position | U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Spouse | Bryon Noem (married 1992) |
| Children | 3 (Kassidy, Kennedy, Booker) |
| Net Worth | $2.3 million – $5 million |
| Education | B.A. in Political Science, South Dakota State University |
| Religion | Protestant (Foursquare Church) |
| Ethnicity | Norwegian-American |
Kristi Noem Height: How Tall Is She Really?
Kristi Noem height stands at approximately 5 feet 7.5 inches (171 cm), making her noticeably taller than the average American woman who measures around 5 feet 4 inches. This places her above average height, contributing to her commanding presence during public appearances and political events.
Understanding the Height Variations
Different sources report slightly different measurements for Kristi Noem height. Some list her at 5 feet 7 inches, while others round up to 5 feet 8 inches. The most accurate measurement appears to be 5 feet 7.5 inches or 1.71 meters.
These minor variations are common with public figures. The discrepancy often occurs during conversions between feet, inches, and centimeters. What remains consistent across all sources is that she stands firmly in the 5’7″ to 5’8″ range.
Why Does She Appear Taller?
Many people searching “Kristi Noem height” are surprised to learn she’s not actually six feet tall. Several factors create this illusion of greater height.
First, her posture is impeccable. Noem consistently stands straight with squared shoulders, creating a taller visual profile. This confident body language, honed through years of ranching and political leadership, adds perceived inches to her frame.
Second, footwear plays a significant role. Like most women in politics, Noem frequently wears heels at official events. Even modest two-inch heels place her visual height close to 5 feet 10 inches. Combined with elevated stages and strategic camera angles, she often appears taller than her actual measurement.
Height in Political Context
Kristi Noem height gives her a unique advantage in mixed-gender political settings. At 5’7.5″, she stands only slightly shorter than the average American man (5’9″). This allows her to hold her ground visually when standing alongside male politicians.
When photographed with other female political figures, Noem often appears equal in height or taller. Her stature contributes to her authoritative presence without being physically imposing. This balanced height serves her well in leadership roles.
Age and Early Life
Born on November 30, 1971, in Watertown, South Dakota, Kristi Noem is currently 54 years old as of 2026. Her age reflects decades of public service, business experience, and political leadership.
Childhood on the Ranch
Kristi Lynn Arnold grew up on her family’s ranch and farm in Hazel, South Dakota. Her parents, Ron and Corinne Arnold, raised her with strong work ethics and rural values. These formative years shaped her conservative worldview and commitment to agricultural communities.
She attended Hamlin High School in Hayti, South Dakota. In January 1990, during her senior year, Noem was crowned South Dakota Snow Queen. This early recognition showcased her poise and public presence.
Tragedy That Changed Everything
In March 1994, tragedy struck when Kristi’s father died in a grain bin accident. She was only 22 years old at the time. This devastating loss forced her to make a critical decision.
Kristi had been attending Northern State University from 1990 to 1994. However, she left college to return home and manage the family farm and ranch. Her daughter Kassidy was born just weeks after her father’s death, on April 21, 1994.
Educational Persistence
Despite dropping out initially, Noem never abandoned her educational goals. While serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, she took online classes from the University of South Dakota. She also attended Mount Marty College and South Dakota State University.
In 2012, Noem finally earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from South Dakota State University. This accomplishment demonstrated her commitment to personal growth while juggling family, business, and public service.
Physical Statistics and Fitness
Beyond Kristi Noem height, her overall physical fitness has drawn considerable attention. At 54, she maintains an impressive physique that reflects her active lifestyle.
Body Measurements
Noem weighs approximately 128 pounds (58 kg). Her body measurements are reported as 31-24-35 inches, though she has never publicly confirmed these specific figures. What’s undeniable is her commitment to health and wellness.
Fitness Routine
Kristi Noem is an advocate for CrossFit training. She has shared photos from Rushmore CrossFit in Rapid City, South Dakota, on her social media accounts. Her workout regimen includes several components.
She focuses on compound movements and bodyweight exercises. These functional exercises build strength while maintaining mobility. CrossFit’s varied programming keeps her training dynamic and challenging.
Noem incorporates regular cardio into her routine. She enjoys running outdoors and has participated in multiple 5K charity races during her campaigns. Running provides mental clarity while maintaining cardiovascular health.
Additionally, she practices yoga at least once weekly. This helps maintain flexibility, reduce stress, and support recovery from more intense workouts. The mental benefits of yoga complement her demanding political schedule.
Nutrition Philosophy
Growing up on a ranch significantly influenced Noem’s dietary approach. She emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods over processed alternatives. Her protein sources often include wild game she hunts herself, along with chicken, turkey, and fish.
Noem typically consumes three full meals daily with light snacks to maintain energy. Her agricultural background means she understands the importance of quality nutrition. This approach keeps her energized during long days of public service.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
Kristi Noem net worth estimates vary depending on the source and calculation method. Most financial analysts place her wealth between $2.3 million and $5 million as of 2026.
Wealth Sources
Her financial portfolio includes multiple income streams. These diverse sources have built her substantial net worth over the years.
Political Salaries: As Governor of South Dakota, Noem earned an annual salary of $139,100. Her current position as U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security provides a federal cabinet-level salary, though exact figures vary.
Family Businesses: The Noem family operates several ventures. Their ranch in Castlewood, South Dakota, remains a primary asset. They’ve also run a hunting lodge, restaurant, and ice cream shop.
Noem Insurance: Her husband Bryon owns and operates Noem Insurance Inc. in Bryant, South Dakota. Financial disclosures valued this business between $1 million and $5 million. This represents their single largest asset.
Book Royalties: Kristi authored two autobiographies. “Not My First Rodeo: Lessons from the Heartland” (2022) and “No Going Back” (2024) have generated substantial royalties. While exact figures aren’t public, these books contribute meaningfully to her income.
Investments: Noem holds mutual funds, index funds, exchange-traded funds, and retirement accounts. Financial disclosures valued these between $174,000 and $560,000.
Property Holdings
Real estate forms a significant portion of Noem’s net worth. The family ranch in Hamlin County includes substantial acreage. They’ve added hunting lodge facilities and restaurant operations to the property.
Property records indicate multiple parcels across South Dakota. These holdings appreciate steadily, contributing to long-term wealth accumulation.
The $3,000 Purse Incident
In April 2025, Noem’s finances made headlines after a theft incident. While dining in downtown Washington D.C., someone stole her purse containing approximately $3,000 in cash.
The purse also contained her driver’s license, medication, apartment keys, passport, DHS access badge, makeup bag, and blank checks. According to a DHS spokesperson, Noem had withdrawn the cash to treat her family to dinner and Easter activities.
This incident raised questions about security protocols. However, it also revealed that Noem sometimes carries significant cash amounts, reflecting perhaps her rural upbringing where cash transactions were more common.
Relationship and Marriage
Kristi Noem married her high school sweetheart, Bryon Noem, in 1992 in Watertown, South Dakota. She was just 20 years old at the time. As of 2026, they’ve been married for 34 years.
Who Is Bryon Noem?
Bryon Noem grew up on a farm near Bryant, South Dakota. He graduated from Northern State University with a degree in business and finance. His professional path included coaching basketball and working in banking.
After college, Bryon worked as an insurance agent at Bryant State Bank. He eventually purchased the insurance portion of the bank and renamed it Noem Insurance. Today, he operates this crop insurance agency near their home in Castlewood.
Marriage Dynamics
When Kristi entered politics, their marriage faced new challenges. In 2011, when she moved to Washington for her congressional office, the family remained on the ranch. This arrangement required significant sacrifice and adaptation.
Kristi has publicly praised Bryon’s role as a father and household manager. In blog posts during her governorship, she acknowledged that he handles ranch operations, childcare, and household management while she travels for work.
“Bryon completes many of our chores. I am gone a lot, and he is left to handle all things related to kids, ranch, and house,” she wrote in a guest post for South Dakota State News.
Controversy and Rumors
The marriage has faced scrutiny amid rumors of an extramarital affair. In September 2021, conservative media outlet American Greatness reported that Noem was involved with political operative Corey Lewandowski.
Noem vehemently denied the allegations, calling them a “disgusting lie.” She stated, “These old, tired attacks on conservative women are based on a falsehood that we can’t achieve anything without a man’s help.”
However, similar reports resurfaced in September 2023 from the New York Post and Daily Mail. Again, Noem’s spokesman denied the claims. In September 2025, New York magazine reported the relationship was ongoing and that Lewandowski plays a significant role at the Department of Homeland Security.
Despite these controversies, Noem and Bryon remain publicly married. Neither has filed for divorce or made statements suggesting their marriage has ended.
Role as First Gentleman
When Kristi became South Dakota’s governor in 2019, Bryon became the state’s first First Gentleman. He embraced this role while continuing his insurance business.
Bryon launched the “This is South Dakota” initiative. This program highlights small towns across the state and celebrates rural culture. His mission focuses on preserving the values and communities that define South Dakota.
Children and Family Life
Kristi and Bryon Noem have three children: Kassidy, Kennedy, and Booker. As of 2026, they’re also grandparents to four grandchildren.
Kassidy Noem-Peters (Eldest Daughter)
Born on April 21, 1994, just weeks after her grandfather’s death, Kassidy is now 31 years old. She attended the University of Sioux Falls, where she played volleyball and initially majored in pre-dentistry.
After two years, Kassidy transferred to South Dakota State University. She graduated in 2016 with a degree in Agricultural Business and Management. She pursued a career in real estate and later became a certified real estate appraiser.
Kassidy married Kyle Peters. Together they have three children: Adeline “Addie” Peters (born June 28, 2021), Branch Peters (born January 11, 2023), and Lennon Peters (born May 2, 2024). Kristi frequently shares photos with her grandchildren on social media.
Kennedy Noem-Frick (Middle Daughter)
Kennedy was born on February 24, 1997, making her 28 years old in 2026. Like her older sister, Kennedy started college at the University of Sioux Falls before continuing her education.
Kennedy maintains a lower public profile than Kassidy. She married and became Kennedy Noem-Frick. Details about her career and family life remain relatively private.
Booker Noem (Son)
Booker is the youngest of the three Noem children. He has maintained the most privacy among the siblings. Specific details about his birth date, education, and current activities are limited in public records.
All three children were raised on the family ranch in Castlewood. They grew up understanding the values of hard work, faith, and community service.
Parenting Philosophy
Kristi has consistently stated that raising her three children represents her greatest accomplishment. Despite her demanding political career, she prioritized family involvement.
In a 2019 blog post, she praised Bryon’s parenting. She noted he recorded videos to document their children’s growth, preserving memories for when she could slow down to appreciate them.
The Noem children were introduced to ranching, business, and public service from young ages. This comprehensive upbringing prepared them for diverse paths in adulthood.
Political Career Journey
Kristi Noem’s political career spans nearly two decades, showcasing remarkable ascent through state and federal positions.
South Dakota House of Representatives (2007-2011)
In 2006, Noem won a seat as a Republican in the South Dakota House of Representatives. She represented the 6th district, comprising parts of Beadle, Clark, Codington, Hamlin, and Kingsbury counties.
She won her first election with 39% of the vote. In 2008, she secured reelection with 41% of the vote. During her tenure, she served as Assistant Majority Leader during her second term.
Noem was the prime sponsor of 11 bills that became law. These included several property tax reforms and two bills expanding gun rights in South Dakota. She also served as vice chair of the Agriculture Land Assessment Advisory Task Force in 2009.
U.S. House of Representatives (2011-2019)
In 2010, Noem was elected as South Dakota’s sole U.S. Representative. She defeated Democrat Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, becoming only the fourth woman to represent South Dakota in Congress.
The 2011 House Republican freshman class elected her as liaison to House Republican leadership. This made her the second woman member of House GOP leadership. Her role involved managing freshman expectations and pushing for federal spending cuts.
Representative Pete Sessions of Texas named her one of 12 regional directors for the National Republican Congressional Committee in 2011. She also formed KRISTI PAC, a leadership political action committee.
During her House tenure, Noem focused on agricultural issues, spending reduction, and conservative policies. She served on the House Agriculture Committee and led efforts to pass the 2012 farm bill.
Governor of South Dakota (2019-2025)
In 2018, Noem made history by becoming South Dakota’s first female governor. She won with the endorsement of President Donald Trump. In 2022, she was reelected with the largest vote total in South Dakota history.
Her governorship gained national attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Noem opposed statewide mask mandates, favoring voluntary measures instead. This approach drew both praise and criticism nationally.
She focused on economic development, education reform, and conservative values. Her tenure emphasized personal freedom, Second Amendment rights, and limited government intervention.
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security (2025-Present)
President Donald Trump nominated Noem for Secretary of Homeland Security during his second term. The Senate confirmed her on January 25, 2025, by a vote of 59-34. She became the 8th person to hold this position.
As DHS Secretary, Noem oversees a department with 260,000 employees and a budget exceeding $100 billion. The department includes U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Secret Service, and FEMA.
Her tenure has focused heavily on immigration enforcement. Within her first 100 days, she terminated Temporary Protected Status programs for Haiti and Venezuela. She froze funding to NGOs allegedly facilitating illegal immigration and launched advertising campaigns urging undocumented immigrants to self-deport.
Noem has overseen high-profile ICE operations and increased border wall construction. She expanded ICE agent hiring and implemented stricter immigration policies aligned with Trump’s “Make America Safe Again” agenda.
Political Controversies
Noem’s political career hasn’t been without controversy. Her 2024 book “No Going Back” sparked significant backlash after she described shooting her 14-month-old dog for being “untrainable.”
The book also contained inaccurate claims. Noem initially stated she met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, a claim she later acknowledged was incorrect.
During a May 2025 Senate hearing, Noem incorrectly defined habeas corpus. She described it as “a constitutional right that the president has to be able to remove people from this country.” In reality, habeas corpus is the right for detainees to request court review of their detention.
In January 2026, Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL) introduced three articles of impeachment against Noem. These stemmed from concerns about constitutional violations and her approach to governance.
Religion and Values
Kristi Noem practices Christianity and identifies as Protestant. Her family attends a Foursquare Church in Watertown, South Dakota. Faith plays a central role in shaping her values, public image, and leadership style.
Christian Foundation
Noem’s Christian beliefs guide her personal and professional decisions. She frequently references her faith in speeches and interviews. This religious foundation informs her conservative positions on social issues.
Her Norwegian ancestry connects to strong Scandinavian Lutheran traditions common in South Dakota. However, her current affiliation with the Foursquare Church represents a specific Protestant denomination emphasizing Pentecostal theology.
Faith in Politics
Noem doesn’t separate her faith from her political leadership. She often highlights how Christian values influence her policy decisions. This includes her strong pro-life stance, support for religious freedom, and emphasis on traditional family values.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she defended religious gatherings while other states implemented restrictions. This decision aligned with her belief in protecting religious liberty even during public health emergencies.
Ethnicity and Heritage
Kristi Noem comes from predominantly Norwegian ethnic background, reflecting strong Scandinavian roots common in South Dakota.
Norwegian-American Heritage
Her European ancestry, especially Norwegian lineage, remains a key part of her family history. South Dakota attracted significant Norwegian immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
These immigrants brought strong work ethics, Lutheran traditions, and agricultural expertise. These cultural traits shaped communities throughout the upper Midwest.
Revolutionary War Connection
Noem is a descendant of Ephraim Wilson, who fought in the American Revolutionary War. This connection to early American history provides additional depth to her heritage.
Her rural upbringing connects her identity to Scandinavian American community traditions. These include emphasis on self-reliance, community support, and conservative social values.
Current Role and Responsibilities
As U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem holds one of the most critical positions in federal government.
Department Overview
The Department of Homeland Security includes 22 distinct organizations. These agencies handle immigration, security, emergency response, and border protection.
Key agencies under DHS include:
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- U.S. Coast Guard
- U.S. Secret Service
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Primary Focus Areas
Noem has made border security her top priority. She stated during Senate confirmation hearings that securing the border aligns with President Trump’s promises to Americans.
She expanded recruitment of ICE agents significantly. Within months of taking office, she oversaw major immigration enforcement operations across multiple states.
Noem has also focused on fentanyl interdiction. Under her leadership, DHS seized over 232,000 pounds of fentanyl. She completed 85 miles of border wall construction to enhance physical barriers.
Leadership Style
Supporters praise Noem’s decisive actions and commitment to conservative immigration policies. She has deputized multiple federal agencies for immigration operations and approved detaining certain criminals at Guantanamo Bay.
Critics describe her approach as theatrical. She has live-tweeted pre-dawn raids while wearing tactical gear. Some question whether these high-visibility operations prioritize optics over substance.
Her requirement that all DHS contracts and grants over $100,000 receive her personal approval has sparked debate. Supporters see this as fiscal responsibility. Critics worry about bureaucratic bottlenecks and political influence in procurement.
Future Ambitions
Some political observers speculate about Noem’s 2028 presidential ambitions. Her alignment with Trump’s agenda and national visibility position her as a potential successor to his political legacy.
However, controversies including the impeachment articles and policy criticisms could impact future electoral prospects. Her performance as DHS Secretary will likely determine her next political steps.
Lifestyle and Personal Interests
Despite her demanding public role, Kristi Noem maintains connections to her ranching roots and personal interests.
Ranching and Agriculture
The Noem family continues operating their ranch near Castlewood. They raise cattle, corn, soybeans, and wheat. This hands-on agricultural work keeps Kristi connected to her childhood and South Dakota’s rural economy.
She has added business ventures to the property. These include a hunting lodge and restaurant. These enterprises create jobs while diversifying the family’s income sources.
Outdoor Activities
Noem is an avid hunter. She frequently hunts wild game on the family property. This activity provides both recreation and food sources for her family.
She also enjoys horseback riding, a natural extension of ranch life. These outdoor pursuits keep her physically active while maintaining her connection to South Dakota’s landscape.
Social Media Presence
Kristi maintains active social media accounts on Instagram (@kristinoem) and Facebook. She shares photos from official events, family gatherings, and outdoor activities.
Her social media content balances political messaging with personal moments. She frequently posts photos with her grandchildren, particularly granddaughter Adeline. These posts humanize her public image and emphasize family values.
Legacy and Impact
Kristi Noem’s impact on South Dakota and national politics continues evolving.
Historic Achievements
As South Dakota’s first female governor, Noem broke a significant glass ceiling. Her election demonstrated that conservative women could lead traditionally male-dominated roles.
Her approach to COVID-19 governance influenced other Republican governors. Several states followed her example of resisting mandates in favor of personal freedom.
National Influence
Noem’s rise from state legislator to cabinet secretary reflects her growing national influence. Her alignment with Trump’s movement positions her as a key figure in contemporary conservative politics.
Her emphasis on border security, immigration enforcement, and limited government resonates with Republican base voters. This positions her for continued national relevance regardless of future political roles.
Controversies and Criticisms
Not all aspects of Noem’s legacy are positive. The dog-shooting incident from her book damaged her reputation among animal lovers and some conservatives.
Her incorrect definition of habeas corpus raised questions about her legal knowledge. The impeachment articles, though unlikely to succeed, represent significant opposition to her leadership style.
Reports of an ongoing extramarital affair, if true, could impact her evangelical Christian support base. However, she has consistently denied these allegations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Kristi Noem in feet?
Kristi Noem stands approximately 5 feet 7.5 inches tall (171 cm). Some sources round this to 5’7″ or 5’8″, but the most accurate measurement places her at 5’7.5″. This makes her taller than the average American woman.
What is Kristi Noem’s current age?
Born on November 30, 1971, Kristi Noem is 54 years old as of 2026. She continues serving as U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, demonstrating that age hasn’t slowed her political career.
What is Kristi Noem’s net worth in 2026?
Kristi Noem’s net worth is estimated between $2.3 million and $5 million. Her wealth comes from political salaries, family ranch operations, her husband’s insurance business, book royalties, and investment holdings.
Is Kristi Noem still married to Bryon Noem?
Yes, Kristi and Bryon Noem remain married as of 2026. They married in 1992 and have been together for 34 years, despite rumors and controversies surrounding their relationship.
How many children does Kristi Noem have?
Kristi Noem has three children: daughters Kassidy Noem-Peters and Kennedy Noem-Frick, and son Booker Noem. She is also a grandmother to four grandchildren through her daughter Kassidy.
What is Kristi Noem’s ethnicity?
Kristi Noem is of Norwegian-American descent. Her Scandinavian heritage reflects the strong Norwegian immigration to South Dakota. She is also descended from Ephraim Wilson, an American Revolutionary War veteran.
What religion does Kristi Noem practice?
Kristi Noem is a Protestant Christian. Her family attends a Foursquare Church in Watertown, South Dakota. Her Christian faith significantly influences her personal values and political decisions.
What does Kristi Noem do for fitness?
Noem practices CrossFit training, runs regularly (including 5K charity races), and attends weekly yoga classes. She maintains a weight of approximately 128 lbs through consistent exercise and healthy eating.
What is Kristi Noem’s current job?
Kristi Noem currently serves as the 8th U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, appointed by President Donald Trump. She was confirmed by the Senate on January 25, 2025, with a 59-34 vote.
Did Kristi Noem finish college?
Yes, Kristi Noem earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from South Dakota State University in 2012. She completed her education through online classes while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Conclusion
Kristi Noem height of 5 feet 7.5 inches represents just one small aspect of a remarkable American political figure. At 54 years old, she has achieved what many thought impossible—rising from a South Dakota ranch to the highest levels of federal government. Her journey from grief-stricken college dropout managing a family farm to U.S.
Secretary of Homeland Security embodies the American dream of perseverance and determination.
Her net worth, estimated between $2.3 million and $5 million, reflects decades of hard work across ranching, business, and public service.
Her 34-year marriage to Bryon Noem, though tested by distance and controversy, continues to endure. Together they’ve raised three children and welcomed four grandchildren, maintaining family bonds despite demanding public responsibilities.
Whether one agrees with her politics or not, Kristi Noem’s impact on American politics is undeniable. As the first female governor of South Dakota and now a cabinet secretary, she has broken barriers while maintaining conservative principles.
