Discover Kristi Noem height, weight, age, and complete biography. Learn about the former South Dakota Governor’s physical attributes, career journey, and current role as U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.
Quick Facts About Kristi Noem
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kristi Lynn Arnold Noem |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170-171 cm) |
| Weight | 128 lbs (58 kg) |
| Body Measurements | 31-24-35 inches |
| Age | 53 years old (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | November 30, 1971 |
| Birthplace | Watertown, South Dakota, USA |
| Current Position | U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security (8th) |
| Previous Position | 33rd Governor of South Dakota (2019-2025) |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Marital Status | Married to Bryon Noem (since 1992) |
| Children | Three (Kassidy, Kennedy, and Booker) |
| Education | BA in Political Science, University of South Dakota |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1-5 million |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black/Brunette |
Kristi Noem Height: Standing Tall in American Politics
One of the most frequently searched questions about Kristi Noem relates to her physical stature. Standing at approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall (around 170-171 centimeters), Noem possesses a height that places her slightly above the average American woman. Her stature contributes to her commanding presence during public appearances, press conferences, and political events.
Height has always been a topic of curiosity when it comes to public figures, and Noem is no exception. Her balanced physique and confident posture enhance her professional image, making her appear authoritative and approachable simultaneously. Whether she’s addressing state concerns, attending national political events, or working on her family’s ranch, Noem’s physical presence reflects the strength and resilience she’s known for throughout her political career.
Her height has never been a defining factor in her political success, but it does complement her overall persona as a leader who isn’t afraid to stand tall on issues she believes in. In the world of politics, where presence matters, Noem’s 5’7″ frame serves her well in both formal settings and casual interactions with constituents.
Kristi Noem Weight and Physical Fitness
Maintaining a weight of approximately 128 pounds (58 kilograms), Kristi Noem exemplifies a commitment to health and fitness that aligns with her ranch upbringing and active lifestyle. Her dedication to physical wellness isn’t just about appearance—it reflects the demanding nature of her work both as a rancher and a political leader.
Noem’s fitness routine and healthy lifestyle choices stem from her background growing up on a South Dakota ranch, where physical labor and outdoor activities were part of daily life. This upbringing instilled in her the importance of maintaining physical strength and endurance, qualities that have served her well throughout her demanding political career.
Her body measurements of 31-24-35 inches indicate a well-proportioned physique that she maintains through an active lifestyle. Unlike many politicians who spend most of their time behind desks, Noem’s ranch roots keep her connected to physical work and outdoor activities. She’s known to enjoy horseback riding, hunting, and spending time engaging in the kind of hands-on work that ranch life demands.
The former governor’s approach to health and fitness resonates with many Americans who value leaders that practice what they preach about personal responsibility and self-care. Her physical fitness isn’t just a personal achievement—it’s a testament to the values of hard work and self-discipline that she promotes in her political messaging.
Kristi Noem Age and Life Journey
Born on November 30, 1971, in Watertown, South Dakota, Kristi Noem is currently 53 years old as of 2025. Her life story is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to her family and state. Growing up in the small community of Hazel, South Dakota, on her family’s ranch in rural Hamlin County, Noem experienced firsthand the challenges and rewards of agricultural life.
Her journey took a dramatic turn in 1994 when tragedy struck the Arnold family. At just 22 years old, Noem faced one of life’s most difficult challenges when her father, Ron Arnold, died in a grain bin accident. This devastating loss forced her to leave Northern State University, where she had been pursuing her education, to return home and take over the family’s ranch and farm operations.
Despite this setback, Noem showed remarkable resilience. She managed the family business while raising her growing family, eventually returning to complete her education through distance learning. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of South Dakota in 2012, proving that determination and perseverance can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.
Throughout her 50s, Noem has demonstrated that age is just a number when it comes to leadership and public service. Her life experiences—from ranch management to raising a family to serving in multiple levels of government—have shaped her into a seasoned leader whose age reflects wisdom earned through real-world challenges.
Kristi Noem Biography: From Ranch to National Politics
Kristi Lynn Arnold Noem’s biography reads like a quintessential American success story. Raised with her siblings on the family ranch and farm in Hazel, South Dakota, she has Norwegian ancestry and comes from a family with deep American roots.
After graduating from Hamlin High School in Hayti, South Dakota, in 1990, Noem was crowned South Dakota Snow Queen, an experience she credits with helping develop her public speaking and promotional skills—talents that would prove invaluable in her political career.
Her early political involvement began with service on the South Dakota Farm Service Agency committee. In 2006, she successfully ran for the South Dakota House of Representatives, marking the beginning of her formal political career. She served two terms from 2007 to 2010, during which she held the position of Assistant Majority Leader and served on the State Affairs and Taxation Committees.
In 2010, she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where she represented South Dakota’s at-large congressional district until 2019. During her time in Congress, she became known for her conservative values, support for agriculture, and advocacy for limited government.
The pinnacle of her state political career came in 2018 when she made history by becoming the first woman elected Governor of South Dakota. She served in this role from 2019 until January 2025, when she resigned to assume her current position as U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.
Kristi Noem as Governor of South Dakota
Noem’s tenure as South Dakota’s 33rd and first female governor was marked by her focus on economic development, education reform, and conservative values. She gained national attention particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic for her approach to public health measures.
Unlike many other governors, Noem chose not to implement state-wide stay-at-home orders or mask mandates during the pandemic. This hands-off approach, which emphasized personal freedom and responsibility over government mandates, made her a prominent figure in national conservative circles and sparked both praise and criticism.
During her governorship, she championed business-friendly policies, worked to reduce regulations, and promoted South Dakota as an ideal place for economic growth. She was re-elected in 2022 with the largest vote total in South Dakota’s history, demonstrating strong support from her constituents.
Her governorship also saw her advocating for agricultural interests, supporting legislation favorable to ranchers and farmers, and promoting tourism in South Dakota. She used pandemic relief funds to promote tourism, highlighting attractions like Mount Rushmore and the state’s natural beauty.
Noem’s time as governor established her as a rising star in Republican politics, leading to frequent media appearances and speaking engagements at conservative events nationwide. Her leadership style, rooted in her ranch background and small-town values, resonated with voters who appreciated her straightforward approach to governance.
Kristi Noem Physical Attributes and Public Image
Beyond the specific measurements of height and weight, Kristi Noem’s overall physical attributes contribute to her public image as a strong, capable leader. She has dark brown eyes and brunette hair, features that complement her professional appearance while maintaining an approachable demeanor.
Her fashion choices typically reflect her background—practical yet professional, often incorporating elements that nod to her Western roots. Whether she’s wearing business attire for official functions or ranch-appropriate clothing for agricultural events, Noem’s appearance consistently communicates authenticity and connection to her South Dakota heritage.
What sets Noem apart from many politicians is her genuine connection to the lifestyle she promotes. She isn’t just a politician who visits ranches for photo opportunities—she’s a working rancher who understands the challenges facing agricultural communities because she lives them. This authenticity shows in her physical bearing and the confidence with which she discusses agricultural and rural issues.
Her fitness and health aren’t just about maintaining appearances for public office. They’re practical necessities for someone who still participates in ranch work and outdoor activities. This connection to physical labor and outdoor life gives her a relatable quality that resonates with voters in rural America.
Current Role: U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security
Noem was sworn in on January 25, 2025, by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas as Secretary of Homeland Security, becoming the 8th person to hold this position. She was confirmed by the Senate in a vote of 59-34, with bipartisan support for her nomination.
In this role, she leads one of the largest departments in the U.S. government, overseeing approximately 260,000 employees across 22 components, including TSA, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, FEMA, the Coast Guard, and the Secret Service. Her responsibilities encompass counterterrorism, cybersecurity, border security, immigration enforcement, and disaster response.
President Trump selected Noem for this critical position, noting her strong stance on border security and her proactive approach when she was governor, including sending National Guard soldiers to assist Texas with border operations. Her appointment represents a significant step up from state-level leadership to a major federal position with national security implications.
Personal Life and Family
Kristi Noem married Bryon Noem in 1992, and their partnership has been a cornerstone of her life. Bryon Noem is an insurance and real estate business owner, and together they’ve built a life centered around their family, faith, and South Dakota roots.
The couple has three children: Kassidy, Kennedy, and Booker Noem. Family values remain central to Noem’s identity, both personally and politically. She frequently speaks about the importance of family, often drawing on her experiences as a mother and wife when discussing policy positions.
Her lifestyle reflects her ranch upbringing and commitment to the outdoor activities she grew up with. She enjoys horseback riding, hunting, and spending time engaged in ranch work. These aren’t just hobbies—they’re integral parts of her identity that connect her to her constituents and the land she’s represented throughout her political career.
Noem’s Christian faith also plays a significant role in her life and has influenced her approach to leadership and policy-making. She’s been open about how her faith guides her decisions and provides strength during challenging times.
Legacy and Impact
At 53 years old and 5 feet 7 inches tall,
Kristi Noem has built a legacy that extends far beyond physical measurements. Her journey from a young woman forced to take over her family’s ranch after tragedy to becoming U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security embodies the American dream of perseverance and achievement.
Her impact on South Dakota politics is undeniable—as the state’s first female governor, she broke through a significant barrier and demonstrated that leadership ability isn’t determined by gender. Her approach to governance, emphasizing personal freedom, economic growth, and conservative values, has made her a influential figure in national Republican politics.
Whether one agrees with her policies or not, Noem’s physical presence, political acumen, and personal story have made her one of the most recognizable figures in American politics today. Her height, weight, and physical attributes are merely external characteristics of a woman whose true measure lies in her accomplishments, resilience, and dedication to public service.
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Conclusion
Kristi Noem stands at 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs approximately 128 pounds, but these physical measurements tell only a small part of her story. At 53 years old, she has evolved from a ranch girl dealing with family tragedy to a significant figure in American politics, currently serving as U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.
Her biography encompasses the values of hard work, family commitment, and conservative principles. Her time as Governor of South Dakota showcased her leadership style and willingness to take controversial stands based on her beliefs. Her physical attributes—height, weight, and overall fitness—reflect an active lifestyle rooted in her ranch background and commitment to health.
As she continues in her role overseeing one of the most critical departments in the federal government, Kristi Noem remains a figure of interest not just for her physical characteristics but for her policy positions, leadership decisions, and the unique path she’s taken to reach the highest levels of American government. Her story continues to inspire those who value determination, resilience, and staying true to one’s roots regardless of how high one rises.
