In 2017, Bravo introduced Austen Kroll as a new cast member on its reality series Southern Charm. Since then, his estimated net worth has grown to around $500,000 as of 2024. That figure comes from a mix of TV salary, business ventures, and real estate moves.
How Austen Kroll Uses Reality TV Fame to Build Income Streams
Kroll’s primary income source is his role on Southern Charm. Reality TV cast members typically earn per episode, with veteran players like Kroll commanding higher rates after multiple seasons. He also supplements that with paid appearances and social media sponsorships. These deals are common for Bravo personalities, who leverage their on-screen fame for brand partnerships.
Beyond TV, Kroll co-owns Trop Hop, a beer brand he launched with fellow cast member Craig Conover. The beer is distributed in select markets and sold at events. He also partnered with Kyle Cooke on Loverboy, a seltzer brand that launched in 2018. Both ventures add to his income but are not blockbuster earners.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Southern Charm salary | Per-episode pay, likely in the low five figures per episode |
| Trop Hop beer | Co-owned with Craig Conover; regional distribution |
| Loverboy seltzer | Co-founded with Kyle Cooke in 2018 |
| Real estate | Owns a home in Charleston, South Carolina |
| Paid appearances & sponsorships | Social media and event fees |
What Co-Stars and Insiders Say About Kroll’s Financial Standing
According to reports from entertainment outlets, Kroll’s net worth is lower than that of some Southern Charm co-stars. Shep Rose and Craig Conover are estimated to be worth more, largely due to family money or more successful businesses. Kroll himself has acknowledged financial struggles on the show, including a 2021 tax lien for unpaid South Carolina state taxes totaling over $10,000. That lien was a public record and sparked discussion among fans. For a complementary read on the same theme, see Amanda Berry Net Worth: What the Kidnapping Survivor Earned After Her Escape
Insiders note that Kroll’s income from Trop Hop and Loverboy is modest compared to the beer empires of other reality stars. The brands are niche and regional. Still, his real estate investment in a Charleston home adds tangible asset value to his portfolio. The home purchase was reported in local property records.
Practical Steps You Can Take to Diversify Income Like a Reality Star
You don’t need a TV show to build multiple income streams. Start with a side business that aligns with your interests — Kroll used his beverage industry background to co-create Trop Hop. If you have a public platform, even a small one, monetize it through sponsorships or affiliate marketing. Real estate is another route: buying a property in a growing market can build equity over time.
The weaker claim here is that reality TV alone guarantees wealth. It doesn’t. Kroll’s net worth is modest because his ventures are small-scale. The lesson is to reinvest your primary income into assets or businesses that generate passive returns. Avoid tax liens by staying on top of state filings — that mistake cost Kroll public embarrassment and fees.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unverified About Kroll’s Finances
The 2021 tax lien is a matter of public record in South Carolina. He co-owns Trop Hop with Conover and co-founded Loverboy with Cooke. He purchased a home in Charleston. He joined Southern Charm in season 4 (2017).
Unverified: Exact per-episode salary figures are not publicly disclosed. The profitability of Trop Hop and Loverboy is unknown — no revenue or profit numbers have been released. Whether Kroll has other investments, such as stocks or retirement accounts, is not public. His net worth could be higher or lower depending on debts and assets not reported. For a broader factual overview, Southern Charm cast's net worths: Who is the richest member of the cast … lays out the key context
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Austen Kroll join Southern Charm?
He joined the show in its fourth season, which premiered in 2017. He has been a main cast member ever since.
Who is Austen Kroll’s business partner in Trop Hop?
He co-owns Trop Hop with fellow Southern Charm cast member Craig Conover. The beer brand launched in 2018.
Why did Austen Kroll face a tax lien in 2021?
A tax lien was filed against him for unpaid South Carolina state taxes totaling over $10,000. He resolved the lien, but it became public record.
How does Austen Kroll’s net worth compare to other Southern Charm stars?
His estimated $500,000 net worth is lower than co-stars like Shep Rose and Craig Conover, who are worth more due to family wealth or more successful businesses.
Where does Austen Kroll live now?
He owns a home in Charleston, South Carolina, where Southern Charm is filmed. He has lived in the area for years.
