Chelsea DeBoer Wiki, Bio, Age, Teen Mom Journey, Net Worth, Husband, Kids, and HGTV Career

Chelsea DeBoer (née Houska) is a television personality, entrepreneur, and home renovation expert best known for her appearances on MTV’s 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom 2, as well as for co-hosting HGTV’s Down Home Fab with her husband Cole DeBoer. Rising to public prominence as a teen mother, Chelsea has since transformed her personal challenges into a multifaceted career in home design, media, and retail.

A devoted mother of four, Chelsea’s journey into motherhood began at 17 with the birth of her daughter Aubree. Her early years of parenting were documented on national television, capturing both the emotional and practical challenges of raising a child as a young single mother. Over time, Chelsea built a stable and loving home life with Cole DeBoer, whom she married in 2016. Together, they are raising their children—Aubree, Watson, Layne, and Walker—in South Dakota while managing business ventures and a growing media presence.

With millions of followers across social media and a nationally broadcast design show, she has become a respected voice in family-focused lifestyle branding and rustic-contemporary home styling. This biography explores Chelsea’s early life in South Dakota, her rise on reality TV, her transition into entrepreneurship, and her growing influence in the home design industry.

Early Life in Vermillion, South Dakota

Chelsea DeBoer (née Houska) was born on August 29, 1991, and raised in Vermillion, South Dakota. A self-described “daddy’s girl,” Chelsea grew up in a close-knit family. After her parents divorced, she lived primarily with her father, Randy Houska, a dentist who became a supportive figure in her early struggles. Chelsea’s high school years at Vermillion High School took an unexpected turn when, during her junior year, she discovered she was pregnant with her first child.

Her Journey on 16 and Pregnant and Early Motherhood

Chelsea’s story first gained national attention when she appeared on Season 2 episode 4 of MTV’s 16 and Pregnant in 2010. The episode chronicled her senior year of high school as she faced teen pregnancy, a difficult relationship with her then-boyfriend Adam Lind, and the challenges of becoming a mother at just 17 years old. On September 7, 2009, she gave birth to her daughter, Aubree Lind-DeBoer, five weeks early.

During her pregnancy, Chelsea encountered emotional strain. Adam was frequently absent and unsupportive, even texting her about breaking up and suggesting abortion while she was still at the hospital. Despite the turmoil, Chelsea moved forward with the pregnancy and named her daughter Aubree Skye.

Chelsea’s early months as a teen mom were marked by medical concerns and emotional stress. Aubree faced jaundice and RSV, requiring close monitoring and care. Adam’s involvement remained minimal—he missed key milestones such as Aubree’s homecoming—and Chelsea increasingly relied on her family, especially her father, for support. Balancing new motherhood and academics, she returned to high school and focused on finishing her education.

Throughout this period, Chelsea also shared glimpses of her evolving mindset on social media. On March 11, 2010, she posted on Facebook: “Thanks for all the compliments 🙂 but please do not say nasty stuff about Adam, Aubree’s dad, on my page. I know everyone has their opinions, but Adam is and always will be Aubree’s father.” The statement reflected a diplomatic approach as public attention grew around her story.

Just over a month later, on April 15, 2010, she posted a more candid emotional update: “😔 ..need to find a nice boy and stop being sad over a mean one. –ughh.” Though short, the message revealed the personal toll the relationship had taken as she continued to adjust to the realities of young motherhood.

Eventually, Chelsea made the decision to legally change Aubree’s last name, citing Adam’s continued lack of involvement. The court-approved name change marked a legal and symbolic milestone, reinforcing Aubree’s shared identity with the DeBoer family.

Struggles with Mental Health and Healing

In the years that followed, Chelsea also opened up about the mental health challenges she faced as a young mother. She experienced anxiety, frequent panic attacks, and even wore a heart monitor during one particularly difficult period. These issues unfolded in parallel with the emotional demands of motherhood and the pressure of public scrutiny. Chelsea credited therapy and her close family network for helping her begin the healing process. Her candid conversations around postpartum anxiety and trauma resonated deeply with her audience, particularly young women, and helped reduce stigma around mental health in motherhood. The court-approved name change marked a legal and symbolic milestone, reinforcing Aubree’s shared identity with the DeBoer family.

Launching a New Chapter: HGTV’s Down Home Fab

In January 2023, Chelsea DeBoer and her husband Cole DeBoer expanded their careers beyond reality television by launching the HGTV series Down Home Fab. Filmed in and around Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the show marked a new professional chapter for the couple, combining Chelsea’s passion for design with Cole’s background in construction. Chelsea took the lead on creative direction—favoring bold wallpapers, textured finishes, and layered aesthetics—while Cole managed the physical execution of each renovation project.

The series quickly gained traction, becoming one of HGTV’s highest-rated freshman shows of the year, with Season 1 drawing over 650,000 viewers per episode. Building on this success, HGTV renewed the show for a second season in 2024, followed by a third season in 2025. Although production remained centered in South Dakota to keep the couple close to their children, some industry observers noted that this regional focus might present limitations for future expansion.

Alongside the television series, Chelsea and Cole launched a home decor retail store, Down Home by DeBoers, located in Tea, South Dakota. The shop features a curated selection of items often seen on the show, including furniture, rugs, wall art, and candles. The store became a tangible extension of their design brand, offering customers a way to bring the DeBoers’ style into their own homes.

In June 2024, during a soft opening of the Down Home by DeBoers store in Tea, South Dakota, a white SUV accidentally crashed through the front window. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident—including customers, staff, and the driver. The event was later featured in the Season 3 premiere of Down Home Fab, which aired in May 2025, capturing Chelsea and Cole’s real-time reactions and offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the unpredictable realities of running a brick-and-mortar business. The incident, which resulted in no injuries, was later featured in the Season 3 premiere, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the unexpected challenges of running a business in the public eye.

Marriage and Family Life with Cole DeBoer

Chelsea met Cole DeBoer in 2014 at a gas station, a moment she fondly recalls as the beginning of something unexpected and beautiful. Their relationship grew steadily, and Cole quickly became a consistent presence in her life and in that of her daughter Aubree. The couple tied the knot in October 2016 during an intimate ceremony in South Dakota, later celebrating with a larger wedding the following year. Together, they have welcomed three children: Watson (born 2017), Layne (2018), and Walker (2021).

As of July 2025, Aubree is a teenager with a passion for skateboarding and fashion, while Watson is 8, Layne is 6, and Walker is 4. Cole seamlessly stepped into a fatherly role for Aubree, and his deep involvement in their blended family was often highlighted on MTV’s Teen Mom 2. He attended school events, participated in father-daughter dances, and supported Aubree’s decision to legally change her last name to include “DeBoer,” a milestone the family celebrated with heartfelt joy. Chelsea also navigated co-parenting with Aubree’s biological father, Adam Lind, a dynamic made easier by Cole’s support and consistency.

Chelsea’s co-parenting journey with Aubree’s biological father, Adam Lind, involved difficult legal challenges. Due to Adam’s ongoing legal troubles—including failed drug tests and domestic assault charges—the court established a visitation schedule requiring supervised visits. Over time, Chelsea was granted the legal right to change Aubree’s last name to reflect her family with Cole, solidifying their bond both legally and emotionally. Throughout this process, Cole remained a steady and supportive partner, helping Chelsea navigate the complexities of blended family life.

The DeBoers live outside Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on a growing family farm. Their lifestyle includes raising chickens, ducks, and other animals, giving their children the opportunity to grow up surrounded by nature and responsibility. The kids often pop in during filming or join their parents at the family’s retail store, Down Home by DeBoers, which officially opened in spring 2024. Aubree already plans to work at the shop and has even inspired her own brand extension, Aubree Says.

In March 2024, Chelsea and Cole appeared together on the Barely Famous podcast hosted by Kail Lowry, where they candidly discussed parenting teenagers, the chaos and joy of raising younger kids, and their close working partnership on their HGTV renovation series Down Home Fab with Chelsea and Cole DeBoer. They shared light-hearted moments about their kids being recognized by classmates and kindergartners critiquing their design choices. Chelsea described their parenting style as grounded in honesty and balance, allowing space for each child’s unique personality to thrive.

Chelsea and Cole spoke about how their work and family life naturally intertwine. From launching Down Home Fab on HGTV to opening their store in Tea, South Dakota, the couple approaches each new venture with equal parts hustle and heart. Cole handles construction and project logistics, while Chelsea leads the creative vision. Despite the long hours and tight timelines, they prioritize family and express deep gratitude for the opportunities they’ve built. Their marriage, built on partnership and shared purpose, remains the foundation of their public and personal lives.

They also discussed the origin of their brand name “Down Home Fab,” which evolved from Chelsea’s original Instagram account documenting their home build. Although the show was originally titled Farmhouse Fabulous, HGTV later adopted the couple’s preferred branding—an homage to Chelsea’s style and social media identity. Chelsea hopes to expand Aubree Says into self-care and teen-focused home products, while both remain open to growing their business only as far as they feel comfortable—always keeping their kids at the center of their lives.

As they told Kail, “If she’s happy, I’m happy,” reflecting a dynamic that makes their success feel genuine both onscreen and off. The couple admits they spend nearly every moment together, whether at home, on set, or at the store, and wouldn’t have it any other way. “She’s my best friend,” Cole said, summing up a marriage defined by mutual respect, humor, and love.

Chelsea DeBoer’s Net Worth

As of 2025, Chelsea DeBoer’s estimated net worth is approximately $2 million to $3 million. Her income stems from a combination of reality TV appearances, design consulting, brand endorsements, social media partnerships, and her HGTV series Down Home Fab. In addition to television earnings, the DeBoers’ retail venture, Down Home by DeBoers, contributes to their revenue stream, offering curated home goods and decor.

Chelsea’s long-standing presence on MTV’s Teen Mom 2, where she appeared in over 150 episodes, also provided a significant financial foundation early in her career. Over time, she diversified her income sources through digital branding, sponsored collaborations, and the development of Aubree Says, a lifestyle brand inspired by her daughter. Combined with Cole’s contributions to construction and business operations, the DeBoers have established a multi-platform brand rooted in family, design, and entrepreneurship.

The couple’s custom-built home in South Dakota has also become a focal point of their brand. Showcased in interviews and social media content, the property features a dramatic entry catwalk, a spacious black-and-white kitchen with a large island, a screened patio for relaxing outdoors, and a fully finished basement with a bar, home theater space, and a handmade playhouse built by Cole. The home reflects Chelsea’s rustic-chic design style and serves as both a personal sanctuary and a visual extension of the Down Home Fab aesthetic. Chelsea has stated that she prefers being at home to traveling and frequently shares glimpses of daily life in the house with her family. The value of the property, while not publicly disclosed, adds a significant asset to their overall financial profile.