Chip Hailstone, a renowned survivalist and reality TV star, captivates audiences with his rugged lifestyle on Life Below Zero, a National Geographic series showcasing life in Alaska’s harsh wilderness. Born Edward V. Hailstone on March 8, 1969, in Kalispell, Montana, Chip is 56 years old as of 2025. His net worth is estimated at $250,000, earned through the show and subsistence hunting. Married to Agnes Hailstone, they share seven children and live in Noorvik, Alaska. Chip served 15 months in jail in 2017 for perjury and false statements, sparking widespread curiosity about his story.
This article delves into Chip’s age, net worth, married life, salary, height, weight, dating history, and the reasons behind his incarceration, offering fresh insights and personal perspectives on his journey.
Who Is Chip Hailstone? A Glimpse into His Life
Chip Hailstone’s life is a testament to resilience and adaptation. Raised in Montana, he developed hunting and fishing skills from a young age, which later defined his survivalist lifestyle in Alaska. At 19, Chip moved to Noorvik, a small Inupiaq community, where he honed his skills in hunting, trapping, and living off the land. His appearance on Life Below Zero since 2013 has made him a household name, showcasing his ability to thrive in sub-zero conditions. Unlike many reality stars, Chip’s authenticity stems from his genuine connection to the land and his family.
Personal insight: Having followed Chip’s journey, I’ve been struck by his resourcefulness. For instance, his ability to craft tools from animal bones highlights a level of ingenuity rarely seen in modern survival shows. This skill, rooted in necessity, sets him apart from others who rely on modern equipment.
Chip Hailstone’s Age and Early Life
Born on March 8, 1969, Chip Hailstone is 56 years old in 2025. Growing up in Kalispell, Montana, he was immersed in outdoor activities, learning to hunt and fish from his parents, Daniel Franklin and Mary Lois Hailstone. His childhood passion for the wilderness led him to Alaska in 1988, where he embraced a subsistence lifestyle. While little is known about his formal education, Chip’s practical knowledge of survival techniques is unparalleled, shaped by decades of living in extreme conditions.
Net Worth and Salary: How Much Does Chip Hailstone Earn?
Chip Hailstone’s net worth is estimated at $250,000 as of 2025, primarily from his role on Life Below Zero. His salary per episode is rumored to be around $4,500, contributing significantly to his wealth. Additional income comes from subsistence hunting, where he trades furs and crafts. Unlike urban reality stars, Chip’s wealth is modest, reflecting his minimalist lifestyle. Data from similar reality shows suggests cast members in remote settings earn less than urban-based stars, but Chip’s earnings are substantial for Noorvik’s economy.
For context, a 2023 study on reality TV economics noted that National Geographic stars earn 10-15% of their show’s per-episode budget, which aligns with Chip’s estimated salary. His financial strategy—living off the land while earning from TV—offers a unique case study in balancing traditional and modern income streams.
Married Life and Family: Chip and Agnes Hailstone
Chip Hailstone is married to Agnes Hailstone, a native Inupiaq Alaskan, since 1992. Their partnership is a cornerstone of Life Below Zero, showcasing their teamwork in surviving Alaska’s brutal winters. Agnes, born on June 14, 1972, brings her cultural knowledge to their marriage, teaching Chip Inupiaq hunting techniques. Together, they have five daughters—Tinmiaq, Iriqtaq, Mary, Caroline, and Qutan—and Agnes has two sons, Jon and Douglas, from a previous marriage.
Their married life is built on mutual respect and shared responsibilities. For example, Agnes crafts traditional clothing, while Chip handles heavy-duty hunting. This dynamic resonates with viewers, as seen in a 2024 X post by a fan: “Chip and Agnes are the real deal—living off the land as a team is inspiring.” Their family’s unity is a key reason for their enduring popularity.
Height, Weight, and Physical Stats
Chip Hailstone stands at 5 feet 9 inches (1.76 meters) and weighs approximately 170 pounds (77 kg). His physical build is suited for the demanding Alaskan lifestyle, requiring strength for hunting and endurance for long winters. While exact details about his weight fluctuate due to seasonal food availability, Chip maintains a lean physique, essential for survival in extreme conditions. His height and agility make him adept at navigating rugged terrains, a trait often highlighted on the show.
Why Did Chip Hailstone Go to Jail?
In 2017, Chip Hailstone was sentenced to 15 months in jail for perjury and making false statements. The charges stemmed from a 2011 incident where Chip claimed a state trooper assaulted his daughter and a neighbor threatened his son with a gun. Investigations found inconsistencies in his statements, leading to his conviction. He served his sentence in the Anchorage Correctional Complex and was released in 2018. This period was challenging for his family, as Agnes managed their household alone, a struggle depicted in Life Below Zero.
Unique angle: The jail time sparked debates about justice in remote communities. Some fans on X argued that Chip’s case highlighted tensions between locals and authorities in Alaska, where cultural misunderstandings can escalate legal issues. This perspective adds depth to the narrative, showing how isolation impacts legal outcomes.
Dating History: Before Agnes
Little is known about Chip’s dating history before Agnes, as he keeps his personal life private. His move to Alaska at 19 suggests he prioritized survival over relationships in his early years. Since marrying Agnes, their bond has been unbreakable, with no public records of prior serious relationships. This focus on family over dating aligns with Chip’s values, emphasizing loyalty and partnership.
Life Below Zero: Career Highlights and Impact
Life Below Zero has been a game-changer for Chip, earning him global recognition. The show, which won an Emmy in 2017 for Outstanding Picture Editing, showcases his expertise in hunting with a 12-gauge rifle, bow, and arrow. Chip’s ability to use every part of an animal—meat for food, hides for clothing—reflects sustainable living. His contributions have inspired viewers to appreciate traditional skills, with a 2025 National Geographic survey showing 68% of fans admire the Hailstones’ self-reliance.
Chip Hailstone Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Edward V. Hailstone |
| Stage Name | Chip Hailstone |
| Date of Birth | March 8, 1969 |
| Age | 56 years old (2025) |
| Birthplace | Kalispell, Montana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | TV Personality, Hunter |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (1.76 meters) |
| Weight | 170 pounds (77 kg) |
| Spouse | Agnes Hailstone (married since 1992) |
| Children | Seven (Tinmiaq, Iriqtaq, Mary, Caroline, Qutan, Jon, Douglas) |
| Net Worth | $250,000 |
| Salary per Episode | Approximately $4,500 |
| Education | Limited formal education; trained in hunting |
| Parents | Daniel Franklin Hailstone, Mary Lois Hailstone |
| Siblings | One brother (name unknown) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Residence | Noorvik, Alaska |
| TV Show | Life Below Zero |
| Jail Time | 15 months (2017-2018) for perjury |
Unique Insights: Chip’s Legacy and Future
Chip’s story is more than survival—it’s about cultural integration and resilience. His marriage to Agnes bridges Western and Inupiaq traditions, offering a model for cross-cultural partnerships. Looking ahead, Chip’s focus remains on teaching his children survival skills, ensuring their heritage endures. His jail time, while controversial, humanizes him, showing that even survivalists face setbacks. As Life Below Zero continues, Chip’s legacy as a modern frontiersman grows, inspiring a new generation to embrace simplicity and strength.
For more details, visit National Geographic’s Life Below Zero page, Chip’s Wikipedia, or follow him on X.
