George W Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, is not just known for his time in the White House but also for his financial standing.
From his early business ventures to his lucrative post-presidency earnings, Bush has accumulated significant wealth.
But how did he make his fortune, and how does his financial journey compare to other former presidents? In this article, Ando breaks down George W Bush’s wealth, salary, and financial decisions that shaped his net worth.
George W Bush Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | George Walker Bush |
| Popular Name | George W Bush |
| Birth Date | July 6, 1946 |
| Age | 78 (as of 02/21/2025) |
| Birthplace | New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | English, German, Dutch, Welsh, Irish, French, Scottish ancestry |
| Education | Yale University (BA), Harvard Business School (MBA) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Laura Bush |
| Children | Barbara Bush, Jenna Bush Hager |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Jeb Bush, Neil Bush, Marvin Bush, Dorothy Bush Koch (Pauline Robinson Bush – deceased) |
| Parents | George H. W. Bush, Barbara Bush |
| Height | 1.82 meters |
| Net Worth | $40+ Million |
| Source of Wealth | Politics, Business, Book Sales, Public Speaking |
What is the Net Worth of George W Bush in 2025?
As of 2025, George W Bush’s net worth is estimated at $40 million. His wealth comes from a mix of early business ventures, real estate, book deals, and high-paying speaking engagements.
Unlike his father, George H.W. Bush, who came from generational wealth, Bush built much of his fortune through private investments, including a profitable stake in the Texas Rangers baseball team.
When compared to other former U.S. presidents, his wealth is moderate. Bill Clinton and Barack Obama have amassed higher fortunes through post-presidency media and publishing deals. However, Bush’s financial standing remains impressive among world leaders.
Related People & Organizations
- Bill Clinton
- Barack Obama
- Donald Trump
- Laura Bush
- Jeb Bush
- Texas Rangers
- Republican Party
- Yale University
- Harvard Business School
- U.S. Presidency
Looking for more insights into the wealthiest figures in history? Check out the latest updates on the richest celebrities.
George W Bush Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Did He Build His Wealth?
Before politics, Bush established himself in the oil industry. He founded Arbusto Energy in the late 1970s, later merging it into Harken Energy Corporation.
Though his oil ventures weren’t massively successful, his investment in the Texas Rangers proved to be a game-changer. In 1989, Bush and a group of investors bought the team for $89 million, with Bush personally investing $500,000.
When the franchise was sold in 1998, he walked away with $15 million, significantly boosting his financial standing.
What Was His Salary During His Presidency?
As President of the United States from 2001 to 2009, Bush earned an annual salary of $400,000, along with additional benefits such as travel allowances and security protection. While this salary is high compared to many professions, it is modest when compared to the massive earnings he secured after leaving office.
How Does He Earn Money After Leaving Office?
Post-presidency, George W Bush tapped into two major income streams:
- Book Deals: His memoir Decision Points sold over 2 million copies, earning him $7 million in advances.
- Public Speaking Engagements: He has delivered over 200 paid speeches, with fees reportedly ranging from $100,000 to $250,000 per event.
Bush also continues to publish books, including collections of his own paintings. His book Portraits of Courage highlights American veterans and has added to his earnings.
What Properties and Assets Does He Own?
Real estate is another crucial part of Bush’s financial portfolio. His primary holdings include:
- A $10 million ranch in Crawford, Texas
- Two Dallas properties valued at $4 million and $2.8 million
These properties not only serve as residences but also as venues for political events and personal retreats.
What Role Did His Family Background Play in His Finances?
Coming from the influential Bush family, he had access to political connections and financial backing. His father, George H.W. Bush, was a former U.S. president and oil executive, while his grandfather, Prescott Bush, was a U.S. senator. However, despite this legacy, Bush’s personal fortune comes largely from his own investments and ventures rather than direct inheritance.
How Do His Financial Decisions Compare to Other Former Presidents?
Among former U.S. presidents, Bush sits in the middle tier of wealth. He is wealthier than Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan were, but trails behind Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama, who leveraged media, real estate, and global business interests.
While Bush chose to focus on philanthropy and painting post-presidency, others like Obama and Clinton built massive media and speaking careers that significantly increased their net worth.
What Are the Key Financial Lessons from His Journey?
Bush’s financial history offers several insights:
- Smart Investments Pay Off: His Texas Rangers deal turned a modest investment into a multi-million-dollar gain.
- Post-Presidency Earnings Are Lucrative: Books and speaking engagements have been major wealth drivers.
- Diversification is Key: Unlike some politicians, Bush didn’t rely solely on public office—he explored multiple revenue streams.
Conclusion
George W Bush’s financial journey showcases a blend of business acumen, strategic investments, and lucrative post-presidency earnings. While he isn’t the wealthiest former president, his net worth remains substantial. Want to stay updated on celebrity finances? Check out more exclusive insights at andomoney.com.
