In his memoir, Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis, JD Vance shared his story of growing up in a poverty-stricken area of the Appalachian Mountains, which ultimately contributed to a significant increase in his net worth.
Business Insider reports that Vance’s royalties from the book saw a notable rise in 2020 and the following year. In 2020, before his political aspirations, Vance earned $347,752 in royalties. By the time he decided to run for office, his royalties had increased to $475,380.
After being chosen as Donald Trump’s running mate, the popularity of Hillbilly Elegy soared, leading to a surge in sales.
Despite his challenging upbringing marred by addiction, familial trauma, and other hardships, Vance, who is set to turn 40 soon, has seen a remarkable transformation in his life. His bestselling memoir, published in 2016, delved into themes of his past and the struggles faced by his community amidst economic decline.
The success of the memoir translated into a film adaptation released on Netflix, starring Glenn Close and Amy Adams. Close received an Oscar nomination for her role.
Although the film received mixed reviews and even garnered some negative attention at award shows, the viewership on Netflix saw a substantial increase following Vance’s political involvement.
Reports from Forbes estimate Vance’s net worth to be around $10 million today, with contributions from his memoir and the Netflix adaptation. His annual earnings from Narya Capital Management and a potential salary increase as a U.S. senator indicate a promising financial future.
As Vance’s career progresses, fueled by the success of Hillbilly Elegy in various forms, his journey from a tumultuous past to a financially stable present stands as a testament to his resilience and determination.