Name: Renee Nicole Good
Age: 37
Birthday: October 7, 1988
Born: Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
Net Worth: Approximately $75,000
Fun Fact: In 2020, Renee won the Academy of American Poets Prize for her poem "On Learning to Dissect Fetal Pigs."
The tragic death of Renee Nicole Good on January 7, 2026, brought national attention to a life that was otherwise quietly lived. As a 37-year-old poet, mother of three, and private citizen, Good's story touched many, leading to questions about who she was and what she left behind. While her untimely passing during an ICE operation in Minneapolis sparked outrage and grief, it also raised curiosity about her personal life, including her financial standing. Unlike celebrities with publicly documented wealth, Good's net worth was never a matter of public record, but by examining her career, education, and life circumstances, we can estimate a modest net worth that reflects the reality of many working-class Americans.
Who Was Renee Nicole Good?
Renee Nicole Good was a 37-year-old woman whose life was defined by her roles as a mother, poet, and compassionate community member. She lived in the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her partner and her six-year-old son. Described by her mother, Donna Ganger, as "one of the kindest people I've ever known," Good was known for her empathy and dedication to caring for others. She was previously married to Timmy Ray Macklin Jr., who passed away in 2023, and together they had a young son. Good also had two older children from a previous relationship, a 15-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son.
Good identified as a queer woman and was in a committed partnership at the time of her death. Her Instagram profile described her as a "poet and writer and wife and mom and shitty guitar strummer from Colorado; experiencing Minneapolis, MN." This simple bio captures the humility and authenticity that characterized her life. Despite the tragic circumstances of her death, those who knew her emphasized that she was not involved in protests or activism; rather, she was simply out in her community when she encountered the ICE agents that fateful morning.
Early Life and Background
Renee Nicole Good was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and spent her early years in the state. According to her uncle, Robert Ganger, the family had deep roots in Colorado, though Good later moved to various locations, including Kansas City, Missouri, before settling in Minneapolis. Her educational journey led her to Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, where she studied creative writing. In 2020, she earned her degree in English from the College of Arts and Letters, graduating during the pandemic.
During her time at Old Dominion, Good's talent as a writer shone brightly. She won the university's undergraduate poetry prize, the Academy of American Poets Prize, for her poem "On Learning to Dissect Fetal Pigs." This achievement highlighted her skill with language and her ability to tackle complex, visceral themes with nuance. The poem itself explores themes of life, death, and scientific inquiry, showcasing Good's depth as a thinker and writer.
Career and Creative Pursuits
Good's professional life was a blend of practical work and creative passion. According to her ex-husband, she worked as a dental assistant and at a credit union before transitioning to the role of stay-at-home mother. These jobs provided a steady, if modest, income, typical of many Americans in the service and healthcare support sectors. Dental assistants in the United States earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, while credit union employees' wages vary but often fall within a similar range.
Alongside her day jobs, Good nurtured her love for writing. She co-hosted a podcast with her late husband, Tim Macklin, which allowed her to explore storytelling in an audio format. Her poetry remained a central creative outlet, and the recognition she received through the Academy of American Poets Prize was a point of pride. While her literary work did not generate significant income, it contributed to her sense of identity and legacy. In many ways, Good embodied the reality of countless artists who balance creative pursuits with the financial demands of everyday life.
Sources of Income and Financial Picture
To understand Renee Nicole Good's net worth, it's essential to look at her potential income streams. As a stay-at-home mom at the time of her death, her immediate income would have been limited, possibly relying on her partner's earnings or support from family. However, her previous employment as a dental assistant and credit union employee suggests she had a history of steady wages. Over a typical career span of 15–20 years, someone in these roles could accumulate savings, retirement accounts, and other assets, though likely modest given the median wages in these fields.
Good's educational background also played a role. With a college degree in English, she had the foundation for various professional opportunities, though she chose paths that prioritized stability and flexibility for her family. It's worth noting that she likely carried student loan debt from her time at Old Dominion University, which would offset some of her assets. Additionally, as a mother of three, her financial resources would have been directed toward childcare, housing, and daily expenses, leaving little room for significant wealth accumulation.
Estimating Renee Nicole Good's Net Worth
Given the lack of public financial records, any estimate of Renee Nicole Good's net worth must be based on reasonable assumptions about her life circumstances. Combining her probable earnings as a dental assistant and credit union employee, average savings rates for Americans in her age group, and accounting for debts like student loans and living expenses, a realistic net worth falls in the range of $50,000 to $100,000. For the purpose of this article, we estimate her net worth at approximately $75,000.
This figure includes potential assets such as a vehicle (she was driving a Honda Pilot at the time of her death), personal savings, and any life insurance policies that might have been in place, especially given her role as a mother. It also considers liabilities like debt and living costs. While $75,000 is not a large sum in the context of celebrity net worths, it represents the financial reality for many hardworking Americans who prioritize family and community over wealth accumulation.
Legacy and Impact
Renee Nicole Good's legacy extends far beyond any financial measure. In the wake of her death, vigils and protests erupted in Minneapolis and across the country, with many calling for justice and accountability. Her story became a symbol of the human cost of aggressive immigration enforcement and the vulnerability of ordinary citizens caught in political crossfires. The Minneapolis City Council honored her as a resident who was "out caring for her neighbors," emphasizing her role as a community member rather than a political actor.
As a poet, Good leaves behind a body of work that, while small, reflects her thoughtful engagement with the world. Her award-winning poem, "On Learning to Dissect Fetal Pigs," remains a testament to her ability to find meaning in the mundane and the macabre. For those who knew her, her legacy is one of kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to her family. These intangible contributions are, in many ways, more valuable than any monetary net worth.
Conclusion
Renee Nicole Good's net worth, estimated at approximately $75,000, reflects the financial profile of a dedicated mother, writer, and worker who prioritized relationships and creativity over material wealth. While her tragic death brought her into the national spotlight, her true worth lies in the love she shared, the art she created, and the community she supported. In a culture often obsessed with celebrity fortunes, Good's story reminds us that value is not measured in dollars alone but in the impact we have on those around us. As her family and community continue to mourn her loss, they also celebrate a life lived with empathy, courage, and grace—a legacy that no price tag can capture.
