Aikens, a celebrated survivalist and reality TV star, rose to fame on Life Below Zero, where she showcases her extreme Alaskan lifestyle. Born in Chicago in 1963, she moved to Alaska young, adapting to rugged, remote living. Now based at Kavik River Camp north of the Arctic Circle, Aikens operates a camp for tourists, offering a firsthand look at wilderness survival.
Her income sources include her TV salary, Kavik River Camp earnings, merchandise sales, and speaking engagements, contributing to her estimated net worth of $500,000. Known for her resilience and expertise, she exemplifies self-reliance and thrives in Alaska’s unforgiving climate.
Wiki / Bio
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Sue Aikens |
| Date of Birth | July 1, 1963 |
| Age | 61 (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches |
| Weight | 77 kg (169 pounds) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Grey |
| Occupation | Reality TV Star, Survivalist, Entrepreneur |
| Famous For | Starring in Life Below Zero, an Alaskan survival reality TV show |
| Current Residence | Kavik River Camp, Alaska (North of the Arctic Circle) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $500,000 |
| Income Per Episode | Around $4,500 |
| Estimated Yearly Income | $60,000 – $100,000 from Life Below Zero and other sources |
| Children | 2 |
| Grandchildren | Yes (exact details not publicly disclosed) |
| Other Income Sources | Kavik River Camp, speaking engagements, merchandise sales |
| Notable Skills | Wilderness survival, hunting, fishing, DIY repairs, extreme cold weather survival |
| Camp Details | Kavik River Camp – Remote camp offering accommodations and survival experiences in Alaska |
| Camp Charges | Around $350 per night for tourists |
| Famous Wilderness Incident | Survived a bear attack while at Kavik River Camp |
| Challenges in Alaskan Life | High living expenses, isolation, climate change, wildlife risks |
| Hobbies/Passions | Outdoor adventure, wilderness survival, sharing survival knowledge with others |
| Social Media/Fame Impact | Gained worldwide fame from Life Below Zero, leading to speaking gigs and media appearances |
| Business Philosophy | Self-sustaining lifestyle, resourcefulness, and income diversification |
| Future Plans | Continuation in survival shows, possible expansion into wilderness training or products |
Who is Sue Aikens?
Sue Aikens, born on July 1, 1963, in Chicago, Illinois, spent her early years in Illinois before her life took an unexpected turn toward the Alaskan wilderness. At age 12, Sue moved to Alaska, where she discovered her love for adventure, leading her to a life very few would dare to attempt.
Known as a survival expert and reality TV star, Sue has built her life around independence and survival skills, becoming a role model for those interested in extreme environment living.
Today, at age 61, she lives and works at the Kavik River Camp, a remote tourism business north of the Arctic Circle. Sue Aikens’ age and resilience add to her unique reputation as someone who thrives under pressure and has become a household name as part of the Life Below Zero cast.
Personal Life and Relationship
Sue Aikens has led a life full of resilience and independence, especially in the harsh wilderness of Alaska. Born in Chicago and moving to Alaska at a young age, she adapted to a remote lifestyle that shaped her survival skills and fierce self-reliance.
Sue was married three times, each relationship ending for various personal reasons. Aikens husband Michael Heinrich, sadly passed away, leaving her to continue her life independently. She also has two children and grandchildren, though her career and remote lifestyle mean she often lives apart from her family.
Aikens has maintained a self-sustaining, off-the-grid existence at Kavik River Camp in Alaska. Her personal life, though challenging, has fueled her career, making her a celebrated survivalist and reality TV star on Life Below Zero.
How Sue Aikens Found Fame on Life Below Zero
Sue’s rise to fame came from her role on Life Below Zero, a reality TV show that documents the lives of people who live off the grid in Alaska’s remote wilderness. The show, produced by National Geographic, has grown in popularity since its debut, showcasing the Alaskan lifestyle and the subsistence living methods of individuals like Sue.
In Life Below Zero, Sue’s daily challenges are highlighted: extreme cold, self-reliance, and encounters with the unpredictable Alaskan wildlife. This role not only earned her public recognition but also brought her a substantial income.
Sue’s Life Below Zero earnings reportedly add up to around $4,500 per episode, a significant part of her annual income. With millions of fans worldwide, Life Below Zero viewership contributes to Sue’s lasting fame as one of Alaska’s most famous survival experts.
Breakdown of Sue Aikens’ Net Worth and Income Sources
Younger Sue Aikens net worth is a mix of her Life Below Zero TV salary, earnings from her remote tourism business, and additional speaking engagements. Her income sources reflect her self-sustaining approach and her adaptability in the wild.
| Income Source | Estimated Earnings |
| Life Below Zero TV Salary | $4,500 per episode |
| Kavik River Camp | $350 per night per visitor |
| Speaking Engagements | Varies per event |
| Merchandise Sales | Adds minor income |
Living Expenses and Challenges of Remote Life in Alaska
Living in Alaska’s extreme environment comes with high costs. Sue must manage her living expenses in Alaska carefully due to the isolation of Kavik River Camp and the constant need for supplies, repairs, and survival gear essentials.
The Alaskan climate challenges add to her costs. Due to unpredictable weather and climate change impact, Sue faces increased expenses for heating, transportation, and protective equipment.
Maintaining the camp requires constant investment, from DIY repairs in the wild to stockpiling fuel and food. Living this way, Sue balances her expenses with resourcefulness, a skill essential for independent wilderness living.
Assets and Financial Planning
Sue’s biggest financial asset is her Kavik River Camp, which doubles as her business and her home. This camp gives Sue both a self-sustaining lifestyle and income through Alaskan wilderness tourism.
Sue also invests in essential equipment, from generators to specialized tools. Since she has little backup if something breaks, she prioritizes durable, multi-functional tools. Sue’s financial approach relies on income diversification, drawing income from multiple sources to reduce financial risks in remote living.
Financial Risks and Challenges of Life in the Wilderness
Living in a remote location like Alaska presents unique financial risks. If Life Below Zero were to end, Sue would lose a significant income stream. Additionally, operating a remote tourism business is challenging, as visitor numbers can vary greatly depending on the season and global economic conditions.
Another risk Sue faces is her physical health. The Alaskan wilderness is physically demanding, and as Sue Aikens’ age increases, so do the risks of injuries. However, Sue’s ability to repair her camp, hunt, and manage wilderness survival challenges showcases her incredible resilience.
The Fame Factor
Fame has brought Sue Aikens opportunities and challenges. The popularity of Life Below Zero has introduced her to millions and given her access to new ventures, including speaking engagements, merchandise sales, and a possible survival school. As a reality TV star, she is one of the most recognized faces of wilderness reality shows.
However, fame has also impacted Sue’s privacy. Many fans now look up to her as a symbol of self-reliance and survival. She uses her platform to teach viewers about resourcefulness and living off the grid in remote locations. Her influence reaches beyond the show, inspiring fans interested in outdoor adventure tourism and extreme cold weather survival.
Sue Aikens’ Legacy and Future Plans
Sue Aikens’ journey is about more than her net worth. She represents self-reliance, adaptability, and the ability to survive in one of the harshest environments on Earth. Her Alaskan lifestyle and survival skills have inspired viewers and given her financial security.
As she considers the future, Sue’s financial planning likely involves a balance between her current income sources and long-term investments to ensure stability. Whether she continues with Life Below Zero or focuses on tourist attractions and wilderness gear.
Sue’s journey is far from over. Her role as a tourist attraction in her own right and her inspiring story will continue to influence those curious about independent lifestyle and survival.
FAQ’s
Where did Sue Aikens grow up?
Sue Aikens was born in Chicago, Illinois, but she moved to Alaska at age 12. It was there that she grew up and embraced the rugged wilderness lifestyle that would define her.
Who is the older lady on Life Below Zero?
The older lady on Life Below Zero is Sue Aikens. Known for her survival skills and resilience, she has become a fan favorite for living a rugged life in Alaska’s remote wilderness.
Where is Sue Aikens’ granddaughter?
Sue Aikens’ granddaughter lives outside of Alaska. Aikens is private about her family life and does not often share details about her relatives or their specific locations.
Where does Sue Aikens live now?
Sue Aikens currently lives at Kavik River Camp in Alaska, located north of the Arctic Circle. She operates the camp as a tourist destination and resides there year-round, facing extreme conditions and self-sustaining her lifestyle.
Who is Sue Aikens husband?
Sue Aikens was previously married but is currently single. She has been married three times, with each marriage ending in separation or divorce. Aikens has kept details about her ex-husbands private, choosing to focus on her life and work in Alaska.
How much does Sue Aikens make per episode on Life Below Zero?
Sue Aikens reportedly earns around $4,500 per episode on Life Below Zero. This income contributes significantly to her overall net worth.
What is Sue Aikens’ net worth?
Sue Aikens’ net worth is estimated to be around $500,000. Her wealth comes from her earnings on the show, her business at Kavik River Camp, and occasional speaking engagements.
Does Sue Aikens own Kavik River Camp?
Yes, Sue Aikens owns Kavik River Camp, a remote backcountry camp in Alaska. She runs it as a seasonal tourist destination, offering visitors a rare experience in the wilderness.
Has Sue Aikens been injured on Life Below Zero?
Yes, Sue has faced multiple injuries during her time in the wilderness. One notable incident was a bear attack that left her seriously injured, but she survived and continued her work at Kavik.
What survival skills does Sue Aikens use in Alaska?
Sue relies on skills such as hunting, fishing, and DIY repairs for self-sufficiency. She is skilled in using survival gear essentials and coping with Alaskan climate challenges.
How old is Sue Aikens?
As of 2024, Sue Aikens is 61 years old, born on July 1, 1963. Her age has not slowed her down, and she continues to live an adventurous life.
Does Sue Aikens have any children?
Yes, Sue Aikens has two children. She keeps her family life private and does not often discuss her children in public or on the show.
What is Sue Aikens’ height and weight?
Sue Aikens stands 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs around 77 kg (169 pounds). Her strength and resilience help her manage the demands of wilderness life.
Does Sue Aikens have any other sources of income?
Besides Life Below Zero and her camp, Sue occasionally participates in speaking engagements and sells merchandise related to her lifestyle and experiences in Alaska. These activities contribute to her income diversification.
Is Sue Aikens Married?
No, Sue Aikens is currently not married. She was married three times in the past, but each relationship ended, and she now lives independently.
Conclusion
Aikens, star of Life Below Zero, is a renowned survivalist thriving in the rugged Alaskan wilderness. Born in Chicago in 1963, she moved to Alaska at 12, adapting to a harsh environment that shaped her remarkable skills. Aikens now resides at Kavik River Camp near the Arctic Circle, where she operates a camp for adventure-seeking tourists.
Known for her fierce independence, she earns from her role on Life Below Zero, her camp, merchandise, and public speaking. Her estimated net worth is around $500,000, largely due to her unique lifestyle and resourcefulness. Living off the grid, Aikens is a symbol of resilience, making her one of the most admired survival experts on reality TV.
