Jeff Kinney, born on May 19, 1971, in Fort Washington, Maryland, began his career as a cartoonist. After graduating from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a degree in journalism, he worked as a designer for a newspaper. It was during this time that he started creating the comic strip “Igdoof” for The New Potato, a local newspaper.

In 2002, Kinney’s life took a significant turn when he was laid off from his job. Instead of dwelling on the setback, he channeled his energy into creating a children’s book based on “Igdoof”. This book, titled “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”, was initially self-published in 2004. The book gained popularity through word-of-mouth and online reviews, eventually catching the attention of a literary agent who secured a publishing deal with Amulet Books. The first book was published in 2007, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Jeff Kinney’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Jeff Kinney’s net worth is estimated to be around $200 million. This significant figure is largely attributed to his successful book series, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” which has sold over 250 million copies worldwide. Kinney’s wealth has also grown through the various adaptations of his books, including multiple feature films and a TV series.

Career

Jeff Kinney is an American author and game designer, best known for creating the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” book series. He began his career as a game designer and co-founded the gaming company Poptropica in 2007. However, his literary success began in 2007 with the publication of the first “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” book, which became an instant hit and led to a series of 15 books to date.

Other Ventures

In addition to his writing and gaming career, Jeff Kinney has ventured into other business endeavors. He has a production company, Rowdy Pictures, which has produced the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” movies. He also co-owns a bookstore, An Unlikely Story, in Plainville, Massachusetts. Kinney has used his platform to inspire young writers and readers through various initiatives, including the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” book series’ writing contest.

Assets

Jeff Kinney’s assets include a substantial real estate portfolio. He owns a home in Needham, Massachusetts, valued at around $2.5 million, and a vacation home in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. He also owns the rights to his literary works and the Poptropica game, which are significant assets in their own right. Additionally, Kinney’s personal collection of vintage comic books and memorabilia is estimated to be worth millions.

Annual Income

Jeff Kinney’s annual income is primarily derived from his book sales and royalties. According to Forbes, Kinney earned $19.5 million in 2016 alone, making him one of the highest-paid authors that year. His income also comes from his gaming company, Poptropica, and his production company, Rowdy Pictures. However, the exact figures of his annual income from these ventures are not publicly disclosed.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Jeff Kinney

Jeff Kinney Net Worth FAQs

1. What is Jeff Kinney’s net worth?

Jeff Kinney’s net worth is estimated to be around $200 million.

2. How did Jeff Kinney make his money?

Jeff Kinney made his fortune primarily through his best-selling book series “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” which has sold over 250 million copies worldwide. He also earns from the movie adaptations of the series.

3. Is Jeff Kinney a billionaire?

No, Jeff Kinney is not a billionaire. His net worth is estimated to be around $200 million, which is significantly less than the billionaire threshold.

4. How many books has Jeff Kinney written?

As of 2021, Jeff Kinney has written 15 books in the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series, with more books planned for release in the future.

5. What is the first book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series?

The first book in the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series is simply titled “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” which was published in 2007.

6. How old is Jeff Kinney?

Jeff Kinney was born on May 19, 1971, making him 50 years old as of 2021.

7. Where does Jeff Kinney live?

Jeff Kinney lives in Plainville, Massachusetts, with his wife and two sons.

8. What is Jeff Kinney’s background?

Jeff Kinney was born in Maryland and graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park. He worked as a game designer before becoming a full-time author.

9. What inspired Jeff Kinney to write Diary of a Wimpy Kid?

Jeff Kinney was inspired to write “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” after creating a website called Poptropica, which featured a section called “The Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” The popularity of this section led him to write the books.

10. Does Jeff Kinney have any other books besides Diary of a Wimpy Kid?

Yes, Jeff Kinney has written other books besides “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” He has written a few standalone books, including “The 39 Clues” series and “The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book.”