Neurosurgeon to Political Figure: Ben Carson’s $35 Million Net Worth in 2024
Dr. Benjamin Solomon Carson Sr. is a remarkable figure who has significantly contributed to medicine and politics. Born into poverty in Detroit, Carson overcame early struggles to become a world-renowned pediatric neurosurgeon.
He later transitioned into politics, running for president in 2016 and serving as U.S. SecreU.S. of Housing and Urban Development from 2017 to 2021. Carson’s inspiring life story of achievement against the odds has made him a role model for many.
Who is Ben Carson?
Benjamin Carson was born in Detroit, Michigan, on September 18, 1951. Raised by a single mother with only a third-grade education, Carson struggled academically early on.
However, through hard work and his mother’s encouragement, he excelled in high school and earned a scholarship to Yale University. He attended medical school at the University of Michigan and completed his residency in neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
As a neurosurgeon, Carson became famous for his work separating conjoined twins and performing other complex pediatric brain surgeries. At age 33, he became the youngest chief of pediatric neurosurgery in the U.S. when he was appointed at Johns Hopkins.
Over his medical career, which spanned several decades, Carson developed groundbreaking surgical techniques and performed countless life-saving operations. In addition to his surgical work, Carson became well-known as an author and motivational speaker.
His autobiography, “Gifted Hand,” was a bestseller and later became a T.V. movie. T.V.rson’s inspiring personal story of overcoming poverty and achieving success through education and determination resonated with many Americans.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Benjamin Solomon Carson Sr. |
| Date of Birth | September 18, 1951 |
| Age (2024) | 73 years old |
| Place of Birth | Detroit, Michigan |
| Height | 6 feet |
| Religion | Seventh-day Adventist |
| Spouse | Lacena “Candy” Rustin (married in 1975) |
| Children | Three sons: Rhoeyce, Benjamin Jr., Murray |
Personal Life and Relationships
After meeting as a Yale student, Ben Carson married Lacena “Candy” Rustin in 1975. The couple has been married for over 45 years and has three sons together—Rhoeyce, Benjamin Jr., and Murray. Family has always been essential to Carson, and he credits his mother Sonya’s influence and tough love as critical to his success.
Carson and his wife are devout Seventh-day Adventists. Their shared faith has been a cornerstone of their relationship and family life. The Carsons have spoken openly about how their Christian beliefs guide their lives and decisions.
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Beyond his immediate family, Carson has maintained close relationships with the medical community at Johns Hopkins throughout his career. Many of his colleagues there have praised his surgical skills and bedside manner with patients and families.
Professional Career
Carson’s illustrious medical career spanned over three decades at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Some of his most notable achievements include:
- Performing the first successful separation of conjoined twins joined at the back of the head in 1987
- Developing new methods to treat brain-stem tumors
- Reviving and refining hemispherectomy techniques to control seizures
- Performing groundbreaking surgeries on fetuses still in the womb
He became renowned globally for his innovative surgical techniques and published over 100 neurosurgical journal articles. Carson retired from medicine in 2013 at the height of his surgical career.
After retiring from medicine, Carson pivoted to politics. He ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, briefly leading in the polls before his campaign lost momentum. Though unsuccessful in his presidential bid, Carson was tapped by President Trump to serve as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2017 to 2021.
Age and Physique
Ben Carson, born in 1951, is currently 71 years old. Throughout his career, he has maintained a trim, athletic build. Carson stands at 6 feet tall with a slender frame.
He keeps physically fit and has spoken about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet. Carson’s appearance has changed little over the decades, maintaining a youthful look well into his 60s and 70s.
Net Worth and Salary
Ben Carson’s net worth is estimated to be between $20 and $30 million. While his neurosurgeon’s salary at Johns Hopkins was substantial, the bulk of Carson’s wealth comes from his books, paid speeches, and service on corporate boards.
As HUD Secretary, Carson earned the standard Cabinet salary of about $210,000 annually. Before joining the Trump administration, he earned millions annually from speaking fees, often charging $40,000-50,000 per appearance. His books have also been lucrative, with his autobiography “Gifted Hands” selling millions of copies.
Carson has served on the boards of companies like Kellogg and Costco, which provided additional income. His investment portfolio includes stocks, mutual funds, and real estate holdings that have appreciated significantly over time.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $20-30 million |
| Salary (HUD Secretary) | $210,000 per year |
| Income Sources | – Book royalties |
| – Speaking fees | |
| – Corporate board memberships (e.g., Kellogg, Costco) | |
| – Investments in stocks, mutual funds, and real estate | |
| Real Estate | Owns properties in Maryland, Florida, and Virginia (valued at over $5 million) |
Company Details and Investments
While Carson does not own or run his own company, he has been involved with several organizations:
-
- Carson Scholars Fund – A non-profit he founded in 1994 to provide scholarships to students
- American Cornerstone Institute – A conservative think tank he launched in 2021
- Vaccinogen – He served as chairman of this biotech company from 2014-2015
A few days ago this man took a bullet to the head while speaking the truth.
Tonight he addressed millions of Americans with a unified and energized party behind him.
HE will NOT be silenced. WE will NOT be silenced.
This is strength. This is leadership. This is MAGA. pic.twitter.com/4RDkBMXuLD
— Ben & Candy Carson (@RealBenCarson) July 19, 2024
Carson has made several intelligent investments over his career. He owns several residential and commercial properties. His stock portfolio includes significant holdings in companies like Kellogg and Costco, on whose boards he previously served.
Carson’s investments have focused on real estate. He owns multiple homes, including Maryland, Florida, and Virginia properties. The total value of his real estate holdings is estimated to be over $5 million.
Investment and Funding
In addition to his investments, Carson has been involved in fundraising and attracting investment for causes he supports:
- His 2016 presidential campaign raised over $60 million from donors
- As HUD Secretary, he worked to attract private investment into low-income communities through “Opportunity Zones.”
- The Carson Scholars Fund has awarded over $7.5 million in scholarships since its founding
Carson leveraged his popularity to become a successful fundraiser for Republican candidates and conservative causes. He has headlined numerous fundraising events, helping to bring in millions of dollars for various political campaigns and organizations.
Contact Details and Social Media
Ben Carson maintains an active presence on social media, with large followings on platforms like Facebook and Twitter. His official accounts are:
| Platform | Handle |
|---|---|
| @RealBenCarson | |
| @realbencarson | |
| @realbencarson |
Carson can be contacted through his non-profit organizations:
American Cornerstone Institute P.O. Box 3P.O.Merrifield, VA 22116
Carson Scholars Fund 305 W Chesapeake Ave Suite 310 Towson, MD 21204
Carson does not maintain a public email address or phone number for direct contact. Media and speaking inquiries are typically handled through his representatives and staff.
Conclusion
Ben Carson has lived a remarkable life, from his humble beginnings in Detroit to his groundbreaking work as a neurosurgeon and later foray into politics. His story of overcoming adversity through faith, education, and determination has inspired millions.
While his political views have sometimes stirred controversy, Carson’s medical achievements and philanthropic work have left an undeniable positive impact. As he enters his 70s, Carson remains influential in American public life through his writing, speaking, and advocacy work.