In This Article
- Early Years: Roots, Childhood, and Education
- Education and Early Interests
- Building an Empire: Zip2, PayPal, and the First Fortune
- The Middle Years: SpaceX, Tesla, and the Rise to Global Fame
- SpaceX: to the Stars
- Tesla: The Electric Revolution
- Other Ventures: Neuralink, The Boring Company, and xAI
- Personal Life: Height, Family, and Relationships
- How Tall Is Elon Musk?
- Elon Musk’s Age and Body
- Elon Musk IQ
- Elon Musk’s Family Tree, Children, and Partners
- Current Times: Net Worth, Homes, and Public Life
- Elon Musk and Sam Altman: From Partners to Rivals
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Elon Musk is one of the most recognizable and controversial figures of the 21st century. He’s a billionaire entrepreneur, a self-styled engineer, a meme lord, and a cultural force who influences everything from electric cars to cryptocurrency.
But behind the headlines, people want to know: how tall is Elon Musk? What is his net worth in 2025? Who are his children and partners? Where does he live, and what’s his background?
This comprehensive article explores Musk’s journey-from his early days in South Africa to his current status as a global icon-while answering the web’s most-searched questions about him.
Early Years: Roots, Childhood, and Education
Elon Reeve Musk was born on June 28, 1971, in Pretoria, South Africa. His mother, Maye Musk, is a Canadian-born model and dietitian, while his father, Errol Musk, is a South African electromechanical engineer, pilot, and property developer.
Elon grew up in a family that was both affluent and intellectually stimulating-his father owned shares in an emerald mine, and his mother was a successful model who graced magazine covers even into her 70s.
Education and Early Interests
Elon was a voracious reader and a shy, introverted child who found solace in books and computers. At age 10, he taught himself computer programming and created a video game called Blastar, which he sold for about $500-a sign of his entrepreneurial spirit even then.
He attended Waterkloof House Preparatory School and Pretoria Boys High School. Despite being bullied, Musk excelled academically and was fascinated by science fiction and technology.
At 17, Musk left South Africa for Canada, partly to avoid mandatory military service under apartheid and partly to pursue greater opportunities. He enrolled at Queen’s University in Ontario, where he met his first wife, Justine Wilson. After two years, he transferred to the University of Pennsylvania, earning dual degrees in physics and economics.
Building an Empire: Zip2, PayPal, and the First Fortune
After briefly attending Stanford for a Ph.D. in applied physics, Musk dropped out after two days, convinced that the internet boom was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Zip2: The First Startup
In 1996, Musk co-founded Zip2 with his brother Kimbal. The company provided business directories and maps for newspapers, eventually selling to Compaq for $307 million in 1999. Elon received $22 million from the sale.
PayPal: Reinventing Money
Musk then founded X.com, an online payments company. After merging with Confinity, it became PayPal. Musk’s vision was to disrupt traditional banking and make payments frictionless. He was ousted as CEO but remained the largest shareholder. When eBay acquired PayPal for $1.5 billion in 2002, Musk took home $180 million.
The Middle Years: SpaceX, Tesla, and the Rise to Global Fame
SpaceX: to the Stars
With his PayPal windfall, Musk founded Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) in 2002, aiming to make space travel affordable and enable human colonization of Mars. The company’s early years were fraught with failures-three failed rocket launches nearly bankrupted Musk. But in 2008, SpaceX became the first private company to send a rocket into Earth orbit, and soon after, NASA awarded it a $1.6 billion contract.
SpaceX has since achieved historic milestones: launching reusable rockets, docking with the International Space Station, and developing the Starship rocket for Mars missions. In 2020, SpaceX became the first private company to send astronauts into orbit. The company’s Starlink satellite network now connects millions globally, and in 2024, NASA awarded SpaceX a major contract to deorbit the ISS.
Tesla: The Electric Revolution
In 2004, Musk invested in Tesla Motors, becoming chairman and later CEO. Under his leadership, Tesla transformed from a niche startup to the world’s most valuable automaker. Musk’s vision was to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy, and he oversaw the development of the Roadster, Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y, as well as solar energy products and Gigafactories.
Tesla’s Model 3 became the world’s best-selling electric car, and the company’s innovations in battery technology and self-driving software set industry standards. Tesla’s Powerwall and solar products also pioneered the integration of sustainable energy for homes and businesses.
Other Ventures: Neuralink, The Boring Company, and xAI
Musk’s ambitions extend far beyond cars and rockets. He founded Neuralink to develop brain-computer interfaces, aiming to merge human consciousness with artificial intelligence. The Boring Company was launched to build underground tunnels for urban transportation, and xAI was founded to compete with OpenAI in the field of artificial intelligence.
In 2022, Musk acquired Twitter for $44 billion, rebranding it as X in 2023 and implementing sweeping changes that sparked global debate
Personal Life: Height, Family, and Relationships
How Tall Is Elon Musk?
Elon Musk stands at 6 feet 2 inches (187 cm), making him taller than many of his peers in the tech industry. His height, combined with his presence, makes him a commanding figure at public events.
Elon Musk’s Age and Body
Musk is 53 years old as of 2025. Over the years, his physique has fluctuated, and he’s become a meme subject, especially after paparazzi photos of him shirtless on a yacht went viral in 2022. The internet had a field day, turning the image into countless memes.
Elon Musk IQ
There’s no verified IQ score for Musk, but he’s widely considered to be a genius. His ability to grasp complex engineering, physics, and business concepts is legendary.
Elon Musk’s Family Tree, Children, and Partners
Elon Musk’s family life is a headline-grabbing as his business ventures. His marriages, relationships, and children span continents, careers, and cultures, making his family tree a fascinating study in modern celebrity and legacy. Here’s a detailed look at Musk’s wives and children, with insights into who they are and how they fit into the Musk story.
Justine Musk (2000–2008)
Justine Musk, born Justine Wilson, is a Canadian author known for her fantasy novels. She met Elon while both were students at Queen’s University in Canada. The couple married in 2000 and their relationship was marked by both personal tragedy and the birth of several children before ending in a public divorce in 2008.
Children with Justine Musk
Nevada Alexander Musk. Their first son, born in 2002, tragically died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) at just 10 weeks old.
Griffin Musk. One of a set of twins born in 2004. Griffin has largely stayed out of the public eye.
Vivian Jenna Wilson (formerly Xavier Musk). Griffin’s twin, Vivian is transgender and legally changed her name and gender, choosing to distance herself from Elon.
Kai Musk. One of a set of triplets born in 2006. Kai, like his siblings, has mostly kept a low profile.
Saxon Musk. Another of the triplets, born in 2006. Saxon has also remained private.
Damian Musk:. The third triplet, born in 2006. Damian is known for his musical interests and is occasionally seen at events with his family.
Justine has spoken publicly about her life with Elon, their shared grief over Nevada, and the challenges of raising a large family after their separation.
Talulah Riley (2010–2012, 2013–2016)
Talulah Riley is a British actress, best known for her roles in films like Pride & Prejudice and the TV series Westworld. She and Musk first married in 2010, divorced in 2012, remarried in 2013, and divorced again in 2016. Their relationship was often described as passionate and tumultuous, but the two have spoken fondly of each other post-divorce.
Children with Talulah Riley: None. Their marriage did not produce any children.
Talulah has remained in the public eye through her acting career and has occasionally commented on her amicable relationship with Musk after their split.
Grimes (Claire Boucher)
Grimes, born Claire Boucher, is a Canadian musician and artist known for her eclectic style and avant-garde music. Her relationship with Musk began in 2018 and quickly became a media sensation due to their public appearances and unconventional approach to family life.
Children with Grimes
X Æ A-12 Musk. Born in May 2020, X’s name drew international attention for its unique spelling and pronunciation (“X Ash A Twelve”). He is often seen in playful social media posts with both parents.
Exa Dark Sideræl Musk (“Y” or “Why”). Born via surrogate in December 2021, Exa is nicknamed “Y” and was introduced to the world through a Vanity Fair interview.
Techno Mechanicus Musk (“Tau”). Born in June 2022, Techno Mechanicus, nicknamed “Tau,” is the couple’s third child. Details about Tau remain largely private.
Grimes has described her parenting style with Musk as collaborative but unconventional, and the two have maintained a co-parenting relationship despite their romantic split.
Shivon Zilis
Shivon Zilis is a Canadian executive and director at Neuralink, one of Musk’s companies focused on brain-machine interfaces. Her relationship with Musk became public in 2022 when it was revealed they had twins together.
Children with Shivon Zilis
Strider Musk. One of the twins born in November 2021. Strider’s name was revealed after a Texas judge approved the change to include both parents’ surnames.
Azure Musk. The other twin, also born in November 2021. Like Strider, Azure’s life is kept largely private.
Arcadia Musk. A daughter, details about her birth and life remain mostly out of the public eye.
Shivon Zilis has continued her work at Neuralink and maintains a discreet public profile, focusing on her professional achievements and family.
Other Relationships and Children
While Musk’s relationships with Amber Heard and other public figures have made headlines, they did not result in children. There have also been rumors and media reports about a daughter named Romulus, reportedly with Ashley St Clair, but these details are not widely confirmed in mainstream sources.
Musk’s Approach to Family
Elon Musk has spoken openly about his belief in large families and his desire to contribute to population growth, often referencing concerns about declining birth rates. He is known for his hands-on approach to fatherhood, despite the demands of his business empire, and has described his family as “unconventional but loving.” Musk’s children span a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and interests, and while some remain out of the spotlight, others have made headlines for their personal choices and public statements.
Is Elon Musk Married Now?
As of 2025, Musk is not currently married.
Elon Musk Mom and Brother
Maye Musk. A celebrated model and nutritionist, Maye continues to appear in campaigns and on magazine covers.
Kimbal Musk. Elon’s younger brother, a restaurateur and philanthropist, runs The Kitchen Restaurant Group and is involved in urban farming initiatives.
Current Times: Net Worth, Homes, and Public Life
Musk’s net worth has been a rollercoaster, peaking at $486 billion in December 2024 before dropping to around $330 billion by March 2025 due to fluctuations in Tesla’s stock and SpaceX’s valuation. Despite the volatility, he remains the world’s richest person.
How Much Does Elon Musk Make a Day?
At his peak, Musk’s net worth increased by over $100 million per day. However, because his wealth is tied to volatile stocks, his daily earnings can swing dramatically. On average, in 2025, he’s estimated to make between $10 million and $50 million per day.
How Much Money Does Elon Musk Make Per Second?
At peak valuation, Musk was making several thousand dollars per second-sometimes as high as $4,000 to $5,000 per second, depending on market conditions.
Elon Musk House: Where Does He Live?
Musk famously sold most of his real estate holdings in 2020, stating he wanted to “own no house.” He now reportedly lives in a compact, prefabricated Boxabl house near SpaceX’s Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas. The house is worth about $50,000 and measures just 400 square feet. However, Musk also has access to other properties for his family.
Elon Musk and Dogecoin
Musk has become the unofficial mascot of Dogecoin, a meme cryptocurrency. His tweets and public endorsements have sent Dogecoin’s price soaring and crashing. Musk has joked about being the “Dogefather” and has even discussed using Dogecoin for payments at Tesla and SpaceX.
Elon Musk’s Government Role
In 2025, Musk was appointed as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the Trump administration, a newly created role focused on streamlining federal bureaucracy. His appointment was both celebrated and criticized, reflecting his polarizing status.
Is Elon Musk an American Citizen?
Yes, Musk became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2002, after first obtaining Canadian citizenship through his mother.
Elon Musk and Sam Altman: From Partners to Rivals
Musk and Sam Altman co-founded OpenAI with the goal of developing safe artificial intelligence. However, their relationship soured over disagreements about the company’s direction-Musk wanted OpenAI to remain non-profit and open-source, while Altman steered it toward a for-profit model. Musk left OpenAI and later founded xAI, a direct competitor.
Their feud has played out in public, with lawsuits, interviews, and social media jabs. The rivalry intensified as Musk’s political profile rose and Altman became more involved with government AI policy. Despite occasional attempts at reconciliation, the two remain at odds.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s journey from a privileged childhood in South Africa to the world’s richest man is a story of relentless ambition, innovation, and controversy. Whether you’re interested in how tall Elon Musk is, the size of his fortune, the complexity of his family, or his latest political moves, Musk remains a figure who commands global fascination-and whose story is still being written.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How tall is Elon Musk? 6’2” (187 cm).
Is Elon Musk autistic? Yes, Musk has publicly stated he is on the autism spectrum (Asperger’s syndrome).
Is Elon Musk Jewish? No, Musk is not Jewish by birth or practice.
Can Elon Musk run for president? No, he is not a natural-born U.S. citizen.
Why is Elon Musk supporting Trump? Musk supported Trump’s 2024 campaign both financially and publicly, contributing over $119 million to a pro-Trump PAC and $280 million to Republican candidates.
What school did Elon Musk go to? Queen’s University (Canada) and University of Pennsylvania.
Is Elon Musk Asian? No, he is of South African and Canadian descent.
What languages does Elon Musk speak? Primarily English, with some knowledge of Afrikaans.
Is Elon Musk Christian? He has not publicly identified with any religion.
Is Elon Musk buying YouTube? No credible reports confirm this.
How much money does Elon Musk make per second?At his peak, thousands of dollars per second, depending on stock performance.
Did Elon Musk grow up rich? Yes, he had a privileged upbringing in South Africa.
How much money did Elon Musk donate to Trump?Over $119 million to a pro-Trump PAC and $280 million to Republican candidates.