JD Vance is an American politician, bestselling author, Marine Corps veteran, and attorney, currently serving as the 50th Vice President of the United States under President Donald Trump. Born James Donald Bowman in Middletown, Ohio, he grew up in a tough environment shaped by addiction, instability, and the unwavering love of his grandparents. His rise—from a working-class kid to Yale Law grad to national political leader—is nothing short of remarkable. Vance first caught the nation’s attention with Hillbilly Elegy, his brutally honest memoir about growing up in forgotten America. Since then, he’s become a powerful voice in conservative politics, known for his sharp opinions, unapologetic populism, and close alliance with Donald Trump, who chose him as a running mate for the 2024 election.
As of April 2025, JD Vance is 40 years and 8 months old. His estimated net worth is $10 million, and he is 6 feet (183 cm or 1.83 m) tall.
Bio / Wiki
Full Name
James David Vance
Nickname
JD
Profession
Author, Venture Capitalist, U.S. Senator
Career
Debut
Rose to national prominence with the publication of his memoir Hillbilly Elegy in 2016
Best Known for
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Writing Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis
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Serving as the U.S. Senator from Ohio (elected in 2022)
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Political commentary and support for Donald Trump
Genres
Memoir, Politics, Sociology
Instruments
N/A
Awards
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Hillbilly Elegy became a New York Times Bestseller
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Netflix adaptation nominated for Academy Awards
Personal Profile and Background Details
Date of Birth
August 2, 1984
Age
As of today, JD Vance is 40 years, 8 months, and 9 days old.
Zodiac Sign
Leo
Signature
Nationality
American
Birth Place
Middletown, Ohio, USA
Residence
Cincinnati, Ohio
School / College / University
JD Vance didn’t take the easy road when it came to education, but he sure made it count. He graduated from Middletown High School in Ohio back in 2003, during a pretty tough time in his life. Things at home weren’t always stable, but he pushed through.
After high school, he joined the Marines and served in Iraq. When he got back, he used the G.I. Bill to go to Ohio State University, where he studied political science and philosophy. He did incredibly well—graduated at the top of his class—and even got a taste of politics by working with a state senator.
Then came Yale Law School. It was a huge step, but he didn’t let the prestige intimidate him. He earned his law degree in 2013, and the experience opened his eyes in a big way. It was actually during his time at Yale that he started writing Hillbilly Elegy, the book that would put his name on the map.
Educational Qualification
Juris Doctor (JD), Yale Law School
Religion
Although JD Vance may not have always been religious, faith came back into his life at one point. His religious upbringing as a Protestant and subsequent atheism led him to convert to Catholicism in 2019. The writings of St. Augustine captivated him. Vance was baptized and confirmed at St Gertrude Priory in Cincinnati, which now forms the basis of his personal life and political ideologies.
Race / Ethnicity
He is a mix of multiple European ancestries, including English, Scots-Irish/Northern Irish, Scottish, Irish, German, distant Dutch, Frisian, French, Welsh, Belgian, Flemish, Swiss-German, and remote Cornish roots. His family has deep ties to Appalachia, particularly eastern Kentucky, where many of his ancestors settled after emigrating from Scotland and Northern Ireland centuries ago.
Food Habits
Most of the time, JD Vance tries to eat healthy. His diet mostly consists of lean meats, vegetables, and whole grains. However, he likes to avoid perfectionism and focus on balance. That means he controls his portions and cuts out junk food whenever possible. Of course, he has a sweet tooth, so he doesn’t deny himself the occasional donut or ice cream. With his wife Usha’s influence, he has also developed a fondness for Indian vegetarian dishes.
Hobbies
Reading, political commentary, podcasting, spending time with family
Physical Attributes and Measurements
Height
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In feet: 6 ft 0 in
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In centimeters: 183 cm
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In meters: 1.83 m
Weight
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In kilograms: ~88 kg
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In pounds: ~194 lbs
Body Measurements
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Chest Size: ~42 inches
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Biceps Size: ~15 inches
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Waist Size: ~34 inches
Shoe size
US 11 (approx)
Eye Color
Blue
Hair Color
Dark Brown
Family
Wife
Usha Chilukuri Vance (m. 2014) – Attorney and former law clerk to Chief Justice John Roberts
Father
Donald Bowman (biological father, estranged)
Mother
Bev Vance
Siblings
Lindsay Ratliff (Elder half-sister)
Lindsay Ratliff, JD Vance’s half-sister, played a big role in his early life and continues to be one of his closest confidantes. Born to Bev Vance when she was just 19, Lindsay helped care for JD during a chaotic childhood marked by instability and family struggles. Despite the challenges, the two developed a strong bond—Lindsay once said they’ve always seen each other as full siblings.
She still lives in Middletown, Ohio, not far from JD and their mother, and shares a warm, close-knit life with her husband Kevin and their three kids, two daughters named Meghan and Emma. Professionally, Lindsay works as an assistant head coach at ASICS America Corporation. JD has often spoken about how much her support meant to him growing up—he even calls her one of the people he’s most proud to know and frequently seeks her advice.
Children
Ewan Vance (son)(born June 2017)
Vivek Vance (son) (born February 2020)
Mirabel Vance (daughter) (born December 2021)
Others
Raised primarily by his maternal grandparents due to an unstable family life
Favorite Things
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Favorite Book: The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky
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Favorite Topics: Faith, American working-class struggles, politics
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Favorite President: Ronald Reagan (has praised Trump as well)
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Favorite Activity: Public speaking and writing
Net Worth 2025
As of April 2025, it’s estimated that JD Vance has a net worth of about $10 million. He made this fortune from different sources. Let’s break it down:
1. Book Sales and Royalties – The Foundation of His Public Wealth
Estimated Earnings: $1.5 million – $2 million+
It all started with Hillbilly Elegy—the memoir that put JD Vance on the map. Published in 2016, the book was a raw, deeply personal reflection on his upbringing in a struggling Appalachian family. It struck a chord with millions of Americans and became a New York Times bestseller, staying on the list for months.
Then came the Hollywood moment: Netflix adapted the book into a film in 2020, starring Amy Adams and Glenn Close, which brought another wave of attention (and royalty checks). According to financial disclosures:
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Vance earned $347,752 in royalties in 2020
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That rose to $475,308 in 2021, and likely continued climbing as the film gained viewership
Today, the memoir continues to generate passive income from paperback sales, audiobooks, speaking engagements, and licensing rights. For many, Hillbilly Elegy was a gripping read. For Vance, it was the first cornerstone of financial independence.
2. Venture Capital and Narya Capital – Where Silicon Valley Meets Ohio
Estimated Earnings: $1.5 million – $3 million (2020–2023)
After his time at Yale Law School and a brief stint at a corporate law firm, Vance made a sharp pivot into tech finance. In 2019, he co-founded Narya Capital, a Cincinnati-based venture capital firm, with backing from billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel (a close associate of Donald Trump).
The firm has invested in dozens of startups across healthcare, manufacturing, and technology sectors—often with a Midwestern focus.
From public filings and disclosures:
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In 2021, Vance drew a salary of $408,106 from Narya
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Additional earnings related to carried interest, bonuses, and equity payouts brought his total annual income from the firm to over $1.1 million in some years
This venture capital work cemented Vance as a serious player in financial and tech circles—far beyond just the political sphere.
3. Investment Income – A Quietly Growing Fortune
Estimated Value: $3 million – $8 million in assets
Like many high-net-worth individuals, Vance’s wealth isn’t just in salaries—it’s in how he manages and grows his capital. According to public disclosures:
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He holds a brokerage account worth between $2.3 million and $7.7 million
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He owns Bitcoin, estimated at $250,000 to $500,000, which he disclosed in 2021, signaling early adoption of crypto investments
While the exact returns vary with the market, it’s clear that Vance has diversified his wealth with a mix of tech stocks, private equity, and digital assets.
4. Real Estate – Rooted in Ohio
Estimated Value: $4 million
JD Vance hasn’t splurged on coastal mansions, but his real estate holdings are nothing modest either. He owns multiple properties:
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A primary residence in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he and his family are based
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Additional real estate assets in Alexandria, Virginia, valued in the high six figures
These properties contribute to both his net worth and passive income, either through appreciation or rental streams.
5. Political Career – Prestige with Modest Pay
Estimated Annual Income: $174,000 – $235,100
Compared to his private sector success, JD Vance’s political salary might seem like pocket change—but it’s part of the full picture:
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As a U.S. Senator (2023–2025), he earned $174,000 per year
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Since January 2025, as Vice President of the United States, his salary is $235,100 per year
While not massive, this income comes with lifetime influence, federal benefits, and future book or media deals, which often yield millions post-office.
6. Speaking Engagements and Media Appearances
Estimated Earnings: Undisclosed, Likely Six Figures
As the author of a national bestseller and a high-profile conservative voice, Vance has also been a regular on news networks, podcasts, and conferences. While some appearances are unpaid, others—especially keynotes or private events—can earn speakers $25,000–$100,000 or more per event.
While exact figures aren’t public, it’s common for bestselling authors and politicians like Vance to generate six-figure annual income from speaking alone, especially after entering national office.
JD Vance Career Earnings
Income Source | Estimated Earnings / Value |
---|---|
Book Royalties (Hillbilly Elegy) | $1.5M – $2M+ |
Venture Capital (Narya Capital) | $1.5M – $3M |
Investments (Brokerage & Crypto) | $3M – $8M (asset value) |
Real Estate Holdings | ~$4M |
U.S. Senator Salary (2023–2025) | ~$348,000 (2 years) |
Vice President Salary (2025–) | $235,100 per year |
Speaking & Media | $100K+ annually (estimated) |
Total Estimated Net Worth (2025) | ~$10 million |
Source of Income –
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Royalties from Hillbilly Elegy and speaking engagements
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Venture capital firm (former principal at Mithril Capital)
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Political salary as a U.S. Senator
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Netflix adaptation of Hillbilly Elegy
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Book deals and media appearances
Car Collection
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Owns a few vehicles but no extravagant public car collection
House
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Owns a home in Cincinnati, Ohio
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Formerly lived in San Francisco and Washington D.C.
Pets
Has a family dog (not publicly named)
Social Media Profiles
Website
Twitter (X)
YouTube
No official YouTube channel as of now