The average income of renters and owners has risen in Midtown and Valentine, far outpacing the rise in wages. Incomes have risen 25% amongst renters and 17% amongst home-owners since 2000. This could be the result of pricing out lower earning individuals and leaving higher income earners in their place.

The displacement suggestion gets even stronger when you take a look at the rent prices in the neighborhood. Rents are skyrocketing generally across America and midtown and Valentine are no different. Since 2000 median rent in Valentine has gone up 37%, and 33% across Midtown and 32% in Kansas City, Missouri.

There are too many factors to say for sure but the demolition of housing by Kansas City Life Insurance could certainly be a contributing factor.