Cole and Chelsea DeBoer have built a multi-million-dollar lifestyle and home renovation brand that stretches far beyond their early days on reality television. Their combined net worth is estimated between $2 million and $3 million, with some industry trackers placing their total household value even higher due to ongoing television contracts, digital partnerships, and physical product lines.
Transitioning from the MTV spotlight to network home design required strategic business planning. Instead of relying solely on one-off appearance fees, the couple developed a diversified portfolio encompassing e-commerce, brand sponsorships, and a hit series on HGTV.
Reality Television Roots and Earnings
The financial foundation for the family started during Chelsea's long tenure on MTV. First appearing on 16 and Pregnant and subsequently anchoring Teen Mom 2 for a decade, Chelsea established one of the most recognizable personal brands in reality television.
During her peak years on Teen Mom 2, veteran cast members earned substantial per-season salaries, often scaling into hundreds of thousands of years. However, walking away from the network in 2020 could have plateaued their earnings if they hadn't pivoted quickly.
Instead of fading from public view, they leveraged their built-in audience to secure a development deal with HGTV for their renovation series, Down Home Fab. Moving to a mainstream home and lifestyle network elevated their market value, bringing in fresh production fees, brand integration deals, and broader advertising visibility.
The Business Portfolio Beyond the Screen
Television contracts only tell part of the story. The DeBoers operate several distinct corporate entities and e-commerce ventures that generate steady revenue streams independent of TV ratings.
- Aubree Says: Named after their oldest daughter, this home décor and lifestyle line features items like throw blankets, mugs, candles, and seasonal accessories tailored to a modern rustic aesthetic.
- Brand Partnerships: With millions of followers across Instagram and TikTok, Chelsea commands high rates for sponsored posts, collaborating with major retail, baby, and apparel brands.
- Apparel and Design Collaborations: Past capsule collections and clothing lines, such as partnerships with Lily & Lottie, have added significant retail revenue through limited-drop marketing models.
Real Estate and Asset Management
Real estate forms a tangible asset class within the DeBoer financial portfolio. Documenting the construction and major overhaul of their custom South Dakota family home not only served as content for their social channels and television projects but also built long-term equity.
Unlike celebrities who sink liquid capital into high-maintenance urban properties, the couple maintains a lower cost-of-living footprint in rural South Dakota. This geographic choice stretches their earnings further, allowing profits from corporate ventures and television work to be reinvested into property development and business inventory.
Common Misconceptions About Celebrity Wealth
Public finance trackers often miscalculate reality television earnings due to a few recurring errors.
- Gross Revenue Versus Net Income: Gross sales figures for e-commerce brands like Aubree Says do not equal personal take-home pay. Manufacturing, shipping, platform fees, and team salaries reduce the net profit margins.
- Assuming Single-Income Household: While Chelsea was the original draw from MTV, Cole's active participation on camera and behind the scenes in construction management transformed them into a dual-income entrepreneurial team.
- Overestimating Network Budgets: Cable renovation shows operate on different financial tiers compared to network prime-time dramas. Income depends heavily on syndication bumps, renewal options, and ancillary merchandise deals rather than base episode pay alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cole and Chelsea DeBoer's net worth?
Their combined net worth is estimated between $2 million and $3 million, factoring in earnings from their television careers, retail businesses, and digital sponsorships.
Why did they leave Teen Mom 2?
Chelsea and Cole chose to exit the MTV series in 2020 to prioritize privacy for their growing family and shift their professional focus toward home renovation and independent business ventures.
What businesses do Cole and Chelsea own?
They operate home décor and lifestyle brands, including Aubree Says, alongside design partnerships and collaborative apparel collections.
Where is their show Down Home Fab filmed?
The series is primarily filmed around Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where the family lives and manages local construction projects.
