Matthew Desmond Net Worth (Updated 2026).

Matthew Desmond, a renowned sociologist and academic, began his career in the early 2000s, driven by a curiosity and passion for understanding the intricacies of American society. Born and raised in a small town in Illinois, Desmond’s upbringing instilled in him a deep sense of empathy and a desire to explore the root causes of social inequality. After completing his undergraduate studies at Arizona State University, he went on to pursue a Ph.D. in sociology at the University of California, Berkeley, where he honed his skills in ethnographic research and data analysis.

Desmond’s breakthrough into the academic limelight came with his groundbreaking book, “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City,” published in 2016. The book, a result of years of immersive fieldwork in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, provided an intimate and unflinching look at the lives of low-income families and the devastating impact of eviction on their lives. “Evicted” not only won the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction but also catapulted Desmond into the national spotlight, earning him widespread acclaim and recognition for his compelling storytelling and insightful analysis of poverty and housing in America.

Matthew Desmond’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Matthew Desmond’s current net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This figure is based on the latest available information and takes into account his literary success and academic career.

Career

Matthew Desmond is a prominent sociologist and author, best known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning book “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City”. He is currently a professor of sociology at Princeton University, where he directs the Eviction Lab, a research initiative dedicated to tracking and understanding evictions in the United States.

Other Ventures

Desmond has also ventured into filmmaking. In 2020, he co-produced “Eviction”, a documentary based on his book. He has also written for various publications, including The New York Times and The Atlantic, and has been a contributing writer for The New Yorker.

Assets

Desmond’s assets primarily include his home in Princeton, New Jersey, and his literary works. His book “Evicted” has sold over a million copies and has been translated into multiple languages. He also holds significant stocks in various companies, although the exact details are not publicly available.

Annual Income

Matthew Desmond’s annual income is largely derived from his academic career and book sales. As a professor at Princeton University, he earns an annual salary of around $200,000. Additionally, his book “Evicted” continues to generate royalties, contributing to his annual income. However, the exact figures are not publicly disclosed.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Matthew Desmond

Frequently Asked Questions: Matthew Desmond Net Worth

1. What is Matthew Desmond’s net worth?

Matthew Desmond’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million.

2. How did Matthew Desmond make his money?

Matthew Desmond is a sociologist and author. He made his money through his academic career, writing books, and receiving awards for his work. His book “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City” won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction.

3. Is Matthew Desmond married?

Yes, Matthew Desmond is married. He has not disclosed much about his personal life, so the identity of his spouse is not publicly known.

4. Does Matthew Desmond have children?

Matthew Desmond has two children, but he keeps his family life private and does not share much information about them.

5. Where does Matthew Desmond live?

Matthew Desmond lives in Madison, Wisconsin. He is a professor of sociology at Princeton University, and he resides in Madison with his family.

6. What is Matthew Desmond’s education background?

Matthew Desmond earned his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2009. He also has a master’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a bachelor’s degree in sociology and history from Arizona State University.

7. What are some of Matthew Desmond’s most notable works?

Matthew Desmond’s most notable works include “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City” and “Poverty, By America.” His work focuses on the causes and consequences of poverty in the United States.

8. Has Matthew Desmond won any awards for his work?

Yes, Matthew Desmond has won several awards for his work. In addition to the Pulitzer Prize for “Evicted,” he has also received the MacArthur Foundation “genius” grant, the National Book Critics Circle Award, and the Andrew Carnegie Fellowship, among others.

9. What is Matthew Desmond’s next project?

Matthew Desmond’s next project is a book titled “The Four Hundred Thousand Dollar House: Four Families Under One Roof,” which is set to be released in 2023. The book explores the lives of four families living in a subsidized apartment building in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

10. How can I contact Matthew Desmond?

Matthew Desmond can be contacted through his publisher, Crown Publishers, or through his academic department at Princeton University. However, he does not have a public email address or social media presence, and he prefers to keep his personal contact information private.