Net Worth Ranker
What Is Justin Vernon’s Net Worth?
Justin Vernon, the frontman of Bon Iver, is estimated to have a net worth of $8 million as of 2025. This figure primarily reflects his earnings from album sales, touring, collaborations, and other ventures within the music industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Justin DeYarmond Edison Vernon was born on April 30, 1981, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Growing up in Eau Claire, Vernon attended Memorial High School, where he was an All-State footballer. He formed his first band, Mount Vernon, in 1997 after meeting its members at a Wisconsin high school jazz camp, releasing their first local musical project in 1998. Vernon graduated from Memorial High in 1999 and attended the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, spending a semester in Ireland. Vernon majored in Religious Studies and minored in Women’s Studies. In 2001, Vernon released his first solo album under the name “J.D Vernon”, titled *Home Is*. He went on to release two other solo albums, namely *Self Record* in 2005, which was followed shortly thereafter by *Hazeltons* in 2006.
Bon Iver: Rise to Fame and Grammy Recognition
Vernon founded the band DeYarmond Edison in 2001 while still in college. After the breakup of DeYarmond Edison, Vernon retreated to a cabin in northern Wisconsin during the winter of 2006. It was during this solitary period that he recorded Bon Iver’s debut album, “For Emma, Forever Ago,” using minimal equipment. The majority of the album was recorded while Vernon spent three months isolated in a cabin in western Wisconsin.
Bon Iver came to international prominence with *For Emma, Forever Ago*, his first album, which he recorded isolated in a northern Wisconsin cabin during the winter months of 2006 and 2007, while he was going through health and personal difficulties. The album was self-released by Vernon in July 2007 and after it received several positive reviews, including from Pitchfork, the album was rereleased in February 2008 and released internationally in May of that year. Bon Iver’s debut album, *For Emma, Forever Ago* has sold over 1,463,000 copies. Bon Iver won Best New Artist and Best Alternative Album at the 2012 Grammy Awards, for their 2011 self-titled album.
Bon Iver’s second album, *Bon Iver*, released in 2011, debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 chart and number four on the UK Albums Chart. This album showcased a more intricate sound, blending folk elements with orchestral arrangements and electronic influences. Bon Iver’s second album, *Bon Iver* has sold over 1,220,000 copies.
The band’s third studio album, *22, A Million*, released on September 30, 2016, marked a major shift in the band’s sound, incorporating elements of electronic music and hip hop production. The album debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200. Several publications, including Pitchfork, Rolling Stone and The Guardian, listed *22, A Million* as one of the best albums of 2016. It also received nominations for Best Alternative Music Album and Best Recording Package at the 2017 Grammy Awards. Bon Iver’s third album, *22, A Million* has sold over 110,037 copies.
On August 9, 2019, Vernon released *i,i*, to critical acclaim. The band’s fourth studio LP is vocal-heavy and features dozens of collaborators, emulating the message Vernon intended to send when working with Aaron Dessner in producing Big Red Machine. In October 2024, Vernon began releasing singles to preview a new LP called *SABLE, fABLE*, set to release in April 2025.
Bon Iver has sold over 3,293,037 albums, including 2,500,000 in the United States and 500,000 in the United Kingdom.
Collaborations and Side Projects
Justin Vernon has collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including Kanye West on the album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” contributing vocals and songwriting. He has also collaborated with artists like James Blake, The National, Fiona Apple and Bruce Hornsby. In 2018, he formed the band Big Red Machine with Aaron Dessner of The National, releasing their self-titled debut album.
Business Ventures and Real Estate
Vernon is one of a quartet of Eau Claire entrepreneurs who are developing the Oxbow Hotel — a property described by its architects as “a boutique hotel property” that “remakes the run-down Green Tree Inn complex on Galloway Street in downtown Eau Claire as a hospitality destination.” The hotel, which opened in summer 2016, has 30 custom guest rooms, a music lounge, an in-house bar and restaurant, and a recreation outfitter. Vernon’s partners in the enterprise are Eau Claire Regional Arts Council director Ben Richgruber; JAMF Software co-founder Zach Halmstead; and Volume One publisher Nick Meyer. The project is supported by a half-million-dollar grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. Justin Vernon also owns April Base Studios, a recording studio in Fall Creek, Wisconsin, which was bought by Vernon and his brother in 2008.
