James David “J.D.” Vance, born August 2, 1984, in Middletown, Ohio, rose from a turbulent upbringing in Appalachia to become a best‑selling author, venture capitalist, U.S. Senator (2023–2025), and—since January 20, 2025—the 50th Vice President of the United States. His memoir Hillbilly Elegy catapulted him into the national spotlight, enabling him to build a diversified portfolio of earnings from book royalties, investments, and real estate. As of mid‑2025, his net worth reflects that transition from economic hardship to multimillionaire status.
Personal Details
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | James David Vance |
| Date of Birth | August 2, 1984 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 41 years |
| Place of Birth | Middletown, Ohio, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christian (Converted to Catholicism, 2019) |
| Ethnicity | White (Scots-Irish descent) |
| Profession | Politician, Author, Venture Capitalist |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Current Role | Vice President of the United States (2025– ) |
| Previous Office | U.S. Senator from Ohio (2023–2025) |
| Education | B.A. – Ohio State UniversityJ.D. – Yale Law School |
| Spouse | Usha Chilukuri Vance |
| Children | 3 Children |
| Residence | Cincinnati, Ohio & Washington, D.C. |
| Famous Book | Hillbilly Elegy (2016) |
Early Life & Education
- Birth name: James Donald Bowman (later James David Hamel, legally changed to Vance in 2013).
- Born: August 2, 1984, in Middletown, Ohio, to Beverly Vance and Donald Bowman.
- Raised primarily by his maternal grandparents, Jim (“Papaw”) and Bonnie (“Mamaw”) Vance, after his mother battled addiction and his father largely disappeared from his life.
- Graduated Middletown High School in 2003; enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, served in Iraq (2003–2007).
- Education: B.A. in political science and philosophy from Ohio State University (2009); J.D. from Yale Law School (2013).
Career & Family
- Worked at Sidley Austin LLP, followed by venture capital roles (including at Peter Thiel’s Mithril Capital), co‑founder of political advocacy firm Rockbridge Network.
- Published Hillbilly Elegy in 2016; became a national bestseller and later adapted into a Netflix film.
- Elected U.S. Senator from Ohio in 2022 (served 2023–2025); became Vice President on January 20, 2025, under President Donald Trump.
- James David Married to Usha Chilukuri Vance, a Yale‑trained attorney (married 2014), with three children.
Net Worth in 2025
Reported Estimates
- Forbes’ July 24, 2025 estimate: $12 million net worth.
- Prior estimates (Nov 2024 by Forbes): around $10 million, with federal disclosures listing combined assets between $4.8M and $11.3M.
Breakdown of Assets
| Asset Category | Estimated Value (USD) |
| Book royalties (Hillbilly Elegy) | Royalty income: ~$55K–$121K/year; cumulative millions |
| Venture capital & investments | Holdings via Narya Capital and stocks – estimated $3M–$8M |
| Real estate holdings | ~$4M in properties (Cincinnati, DC, Alexandria) |
| Salary (Vice President) | $235,100/year (federal salary) |
Book Royalties
Hillbilly Elegy earned blockbuster success: millions of copies sold by mid‑2024, with royalties reported at $121,000 in 2022 and about $55,000 in subsequent years. Additional gains came from the 2020 Ron Howard film adaptation.
Venture Capital & Investments
James David worked with Mithril Capital and founded Narya Capital, raising over $90M in investments from donors including Peter Thiel. His personal equity stakes, Schwab account balances ($2.3M–$7.7M), Bitcoin ($100K–$250K), and ETFs comprise several million dollars in assets.
Real Estate Holdings
- Cincinnati home: bought in 2018 for $1.4M, now worth ~$1.8M
- Washington, DC townhouse: purchased 2014 (~$590K), now worth ~$850K, rented out
- Alexandria, VA home: bought 2023 for $1.6M, now valued at ~$1.8M.
Salary
As Vice President, James David annual salary is $235,100, up from the $174,000 Senate pay. His political salary is a modest portion of his overall net worth, which is largely driven by book and investment income.
Conclusion
As of mid‑2025, J.D. Vance’s net worth is estimated around $12 million, significantly increased from the ~$10 million figure reported in late 2024. His upward trajectory reflects a notable shift—from a challenging childhood in rural Ohio to a position of national leadership and financial stability. His wealth derives from diversified sources: a bestselling memoir, venture capital investments, and strategic real estate holdings. While modest compared to billionaire elites, the wealth Vance amassed is noteworthy given his working‑class roots and rapid rise in both literature and politics.
