Net Worth Ranker
What Is Peter Popoff Net Worth?
As of 2025, Peter Popoff, the German-American televangelist and faith healer, has an estimated net worth of $10 million. This wealth is primarily accumulated through his televangelism career, which includes donations, television ministry, and sales of religious items. However, different sources provide varying estimates. For instance, GuruFocus estimates his net worth to be around $2 million as of March 10, 2025, based on his stock holdings in Parker Hannifin Corp. Benzinga estimated his net worth at $7.73 million as of November 11, 2024, based on reported shares in Parker Hannifin Corp.
Early Life and Career
Peter George Popoff was born in West Berlin, Germany, on July 2, 1946, to George and Gerda Popoff. His family later immigrated to the United States. He attended Chaffey College and subsequently transferred to the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he graduated in 1970. He married his wife, Elizabeth A. Armstrong, in August 1971 and settled in Upland, California. He began his television ministry in the late 1970s, gaining national recognition in the early 1980s. By this time, his weekly program was being broadcast nationally.
Financial Success and Controversies
During the 1980s, Peter Popoff’s ministry saw significant financial inflows, with Randi estimating his collections at nearly $4 million per year. His method involved encouraging supporters to donate money in return for promised miracles and financial blessings. However, his career faced a major setback in 1986 when James Randi exposed that Popoff was using a hidden earpiece to receive information about audience members. This information was fed to him by his wife, Elizabeth, who quizzed audience members before the show and provided Popoff with the information via a radio transmitter while he was on stage. In September 1987, Popoff declared bankruptcy, listing over 790 unpaid creditors and debts exceeding $1 million for the ministry, along with personal debts close to half that amount.
Despite the scandal, Popoff resurfaced in 1998, marketing himself particularly to an African American audience on BET. By 2003, his ministry’s income exceeded $9.6 million, and by 2005, it had reached over $23 million. In that year, Peter and his wife collectively earned nearly $1 million, while two of his children each received over $180,000. In 2006, Peter Popoff Ministries transitioned from a for-profit business to a tax-exempt religious organization, meaning that it no longer had to disclose financial details.
Assets and Investments
In 2007, Popoff purchased a home in Bradbury, California, for $4.5 million. Reports indicate the property was up for sale in 2023 for $8.1 million. This custom estate, built by Mur-sol, features six bedrooms with walk-in closets, approximately nine bathrooms, and a library, encompassing over 8,302 square feet of luxurious living space. It is situated on 2.27 acres of manicured grounds with mountain and city light views. Other assets that he has owned are luxury cars, including a Porsche and a Mercedes-Benz. ABC’s 20/20 reported that the Popoffs also have property in Newport Beach, CA, and drive several luxury vehicles, including a 2005 Porsche 911 worth $100,000, a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E550 worth $70,000, and a 2011 BMW X6 worth $70,000. Liz Popoff also formerly drove a 2009 Bentley CFS worth $200,000.
Ministry Finances and Operations
Since 2006, Peter Popoff Ministries has been classified as a tax-exempt religious organization, which means it is not required to disclose its financial details. Prior to this, in 2005, the ministry received over $23 million, with Peter Popoff reportedly taking home nearly $1 million annually. Despite controversies, Popoff continues to solicit donations, offering items such as blessed water and holy sand. In recent years, his ministry has been known for marketing “Miracle Spring Water,” claiming it has debt-canceling power, which remains an active campaign.
Controversies and Investigations
Throughout his career, Peter Popoff has been involved in several financial controversies. In 1986, James Randi revealed Popoff’s use of a radio earpiece to deceive his audience. Following this, Popoff declared bankruptcy in 1987. He has also faced scrutiny for dubious donation practices, where he asked supporters for money under misleading promises of financial blessings. Regulatory authorities in the UK and US have issued warnings regarding his misleading marketing tactics. Despite these issues, Popoff has maintained his presence through television and donation campaigns.
