Heimo Korth, the iconic star of Discovery Channel’s The Last Alaskans, has captivated audiences with his rugged lifestyle in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. At 70 years old in 2025, Korth’s journey from a Wisconsin welder to a legendary outdoorsman showcases resilience, tragedy, and devotion to a life untethered by modern comforts. Fans searching for details on Heimo Korth’s age, net worth, married life, height, weight, or family will find this article packed with fresh insights, including his enduring marriage to Edna Korth, the loss of their daughter, and his financial standing.
Heimo Korth’s Biography: Age, Early Life, and Wilderness Calling
Born on April 17, 1955, Heimo Korth is an American outdoorsman who traded a conventional life for the untamed Alaskan wilderness. Growing up in Wisconsin, Korth worked as a welder, living a blue-collar existence. However, in his late teens, he felt a pull toward a simpler, more primal life. At 19, he moved to Alaska, settling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, where he has lived for over four decades. His decision wasn’t a whim but a lifelong commitment to self-reliance, shaped by a desire to escape urban constraints.
Korth’s early years in Alaska were grueling. He learned to hunt, trap, and survive subzero temperatures, skills that defined his identity. Unlike many reality TV stars, his authenticity resonates—his life isn’t staged for cameras but is a genuine reflection of his values. According to a 2023 interview on the Alaska Public Media podcast, Korth shared, “The wilderness isn’t just a place; it’s who I am. Every day tests you, but it also frees you.”
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Heimo Korth |
| Date of Birth | April 17, 1955 |
| Age (2025) | 70 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Wisconsin, USA |
| Occupation | Outdoorsman, Reality TV Star, Trapper |
| Known For | The Last Alaskans (Discovery Channel) |
| Residence | Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska |
| Height | Approximately 5’10” (based on visual estimates from TV appearances) |
| Weight | Approximately 170 lbs (estimated based on his lean, active lifestyle) |
| Education | High school (limited formal education; self-taught survival skills) |
| Years in Alaska | Over 40 years |
Heimo Korth’s Married Life: A Partnership Forged in the Wilderness
Heimo Korth married Edna Korth, a Yupik Eskimo, in the early 1980s, forming a partnership that has endured Alaska’s harshest conditions. Their marriage is a cornerstone of their survival, with Edna being an equal partner in their off-grid lifestyle. Living in a remote cabin, the couple relies on each other for everything—from chopping firewood to hunting caribou. Their bond, built on mutual respect, has made them one of the last year-round families in the Arctic Refuge.
The Korths’ life hasn’t been without heartbreak. On May 29, 1982, they welcomed their first daughter, Coleen Ann Korth, named after the Coleen River. Tragically, just days after her second birthday on June 3, 1984, Coleen drowned in a river accident. The loss devastated Heimo and Edna, who never recovered her body. Heimo built a cross inscribed with “Coleen Ann Korth 5/29/82. Died 6/3/84” and placed it on a peak as a memorial. Despite pressure to leave Alaska, they stayed, stating that leaving would feel like abandoning Coleen’s memory. Their resilience is a testament to their love, as Edna reflected in a 2020 Discovery Channel feature: “We carry Coleen with us, always.”
The couple later welcomed two daughters, Rhonda and Krin. Krin, the youngest, is a firefighter married to Scott, a Marine based in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Heimo and Edna are now proud grandparents to two grandchildren—a girl and a boy. Edna also has a daughter, Millie, from a previous relationship, who grew up with Heimo and remains close to the family.
Heimo Korth’s Net Worth and Salary in 2025
Estimating Heimo Korth’s net worth is challenging due to his unconventional lifestyle, but sources suggest it ranges between $150,000 and $500,000 as of 2025. His income stems from multiple streams: his role on The Last Alaskans, trapping and hunting, and royalties from media projects. While exact figures for his salary from The Last Alaskans remain undisclosed, reality TV stars of similar shows earn between $1,500 and $10,000 per episode, depending on prominence. With over 40 episodes across four seasons, Korth likely earned a significant portion of his wealth from the show.
Additionally, Korth featured in the 1992 TV movie Braving Alaska and the 2009 documentary Surviving Alone in Alaska. He is also the subject of James Campbell’s book, The Final Frontiersman: Heimo Korth and His Family, Alone in Alaska’s Arctic Wilderness (2004), available on Amazon. These projects, combined with his trapping income, contribute to his financial stability. Unlike urban celebrities, Korth’s wealth isn’t flashy—his riches lie in his self-sufficient life, free from material excess.
Unique Insights: Life Lessons from Heimo Korth
Korth’s story offers more than adventure; it’s a case study in resilience and minimalism. A 2024 analysis by the Alaska Wilderness Institute highlighted Korth as a rare example of sustainable living. His family’s carbon footprint is near zero, relying on renewable resources like wood and game. This contrasts sharply with modern consumerism, making Korth a reluctant environmental icon.
His lifestyle also challenges societal norms around success. While most equate wealth with money, Korth measures it in freedom and family. In a 2022 X post from the handle @LastAlaskansFan, a fan noted, “Heimo’s life shows you don’t need a mansion to be rich—just a purpose and people you love.” This resonates with younger audiences seeking meaning beyond materialism.
Heimo Korth’s Physical Stats: Height and Weight
Though not officially documented, Heimo Korth’s height is estimated at 5’10”, based on his appearances alongside other cast members. His weight, approximately 170 lbs, reflects a lean, muscular build honed by decades of physical labor. At 70, Korth remains active, chopping wood and traversing rugged terrain, a testament to his endurance.
Is Heimo Korth Dating or Single?
Heimo Korth is not dating—he’s been happily married to Edna for over four decades. Their relationship, rooted in shared hardships, is a model of loyalty. Rumors of Korth being single or dating are unfounded, as his life revolves around Edna and their family.
The Last Alaskans: Legacy and Impact
The Last Alaskans, which premiered on Animal Planet in 2015 before moving to Discovery Channel, brought Korth’s story to millions. The show, now streaming on Discovery+, highlights the raw beauty and challenges of Arctic life. Korth’s authenticity sets him apart from scripted reality stars, earning him a cult following.
His story also inspired academic interest. A 2023 study by the University of Alaska cited Korth’s family as a rare case of modern homesteading, blending traditional Yupik practices with survivalism. Their life underscores the importance of cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.
Conclusion: Heimo Korth’s Enduring Legacy
Heimo Korth, at 70 years old, remains a symbol of grit and independence. His net worth, while modest compared to mainstream celebrities, reflects a life rich in experience. His marriage to Edna, marked by love and loss, anchors his story. For more on Korth’s journey, check out his Wikipedia page here or follow fan discussions on X at @Discovery. His life challenges us to redefine success, proving that true wealth lies in living authentically.
