Cole DeBoer holds an estimated net worth of around $2 million to $4 million, built primarily through reality television appearances, home renovation projects, and strategic social media partnerships. While internet rumors occasionally inflate celebrity fortunes into tens of millions, a close look at public property records, television contracts, and business ventures reveals a more grounded financial picture.
If you've followed reality television over the past decade, you likely know Cole as the steady husband of Chelsea Houska from MTV's Teen Mom 2. Yet, his path extends far beyond a single cable network appearance. Understanding how Cole and Chelsea built their shared household wealth requires looking at real estate flipping, brand sponsorships, and their HGTV series, Down Home Fab.
Who is Cole DeBoer?
Cole DeBoer entered the public eye in 2014 when he met Chelsea Houska at a gas station in South Dakota. At the time, Cole worked as a traffic control technician. They married in 2016 and share multiple children together.
Unlike many reality TV spouses who court constant controversy, Cole maintained a grounded blue-collar work ethic early in their relationship. He continued working his day job until the demands of filming, parenting, and joint business ventures required a full-time transition into media and entrepreneurship. His transition from a quiet South Dakota native to a recognizable television personality laid the groundwork for his current financial standing.
Television Income: Teen Mom 2 and Down Home Fab
Television contracts form the bedrock of the DeBoer family's earnings. During their tenure on MTV's Teen Mom 2, veteran cast members earned substantial salaries per season. While MTV keeps exact individual paychecks confidential, reliable entertainment industry reporting indicates that top-tier cast members made upwards of $300,000 to $500,000 annually during peak seasons.
After stepping away from MTV, Cole and Chelsea didn't exit the television sphere permanently. Instead, they transitioned to HGTV with their home renovation show, Down Home Fab, which premiered in early 2023. The show follows the couple as they renovate homes around Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Cable renovation shows provide steady production fees per episode, alongside production company backing. While first-season budgets for network renovation hosts vary, established talent typically commands healthy episodic fees, securing a reliable recurring revenue stream independent of their past MTV earnings.
Real Estate and Property Flipping Ventures
Real estate forms a significant portion of Cole and Chelsea's net worth. South Dakota's housing market offers favorable purchasing power compared to coastal metropolitan areas, allowing the couple to invest heavily in property acquisition and custom builds.
In 2021, the couple built a sprawling modern farmhouse on several acres outside Sioux Falls. The custom-built home features high-end finishes, extensive outdoor living spaces, and custom woodworking crafted largely by Cole himself. Beyond their primary residence, the couple engages in buying, renovating, and flipping residential properties. Property flipping generates capital gains upon sale, functioning as an active business rather than passive savings.
- Primary Residence: A custom-built modern farmhouse in South Dakota valued well over $1 million.
- Investment Properties: Various residential flips managed through their construction and design business.
- Land Holdings: Acreage purchased for development and private use.
Brand Partnerships and Social Media Monetization
With a combined social media following scaling into the millions across Instagram and TikTok, Cole and Chelsea command significant rates for sponsored content. Brands in the baby products, home decor, lifestyle, and fitness sectors routinely partner with the couple for dedicated campaigns.
Sponsored Instagram posts for creators with millions of engaged followers can pull anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000+ per placement, depending on the scope of the campaign. Cole frequently co-stars in sponsored posts alongside Chelsea, endorsing products ranging from apparel lines to home improvement tools. These digital partnerships require minimal overhead, yielding high profit margins that diversify their income away from traditional television production.
Merchandise and Business Collaborations
Beyond digital sponsorships, Cole and Chelsea leverage their brand through direct-to-consumer merchandise and licensing deals. They have launched multiple collaborative collections with established retail brands, including home decor lines, apparel capsules, and accessory partnerships.
Licensing agreements typically grant the creators a percentage of total sales or a guaranteed upfront fee plus royalties. Because their audience heavily mirrors the demographic interested in modern farmhouse decor and family-oriented lifestyle products, these product lines convert social media traffic into steady, passive retail revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Cole DeBoer's job before reality TV?
Before appearing on television, Cole worked as a traffic control specialist and heavy equipment operator in South Dakota. He also brought carpentry and construction skills to the table, which later aided in both their personal home builds and their HGTV renovation series.
Does Cole DeBoer work a normal job now?
No, Cole works full-time as a television personality, real estate investor, and influencer. Between filming Down Home Fab, managing their construction projects, and executing brand deals, his schedule mirrors running a small media and real estate enterprise.
How much do Cole and Chelsea make from Down Home Fab?
Exact figures for HGTV contracts are private, but hosts of freshman cable renovation series typically earn competitive episodic rates. Combined with production perks and expanded brand exposure, the show acts as a primary financial driver for their household.
Where do Cole and Chelsea live?
The family lives near Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They moved out of their previous suburban home into their custom-designed modern farmhouse, which provides privacy and ample land for their family and animals.
