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9
INTRODUCTION.
The population of Lambeth in 1861 was 162,044, and in 1871,
208,342, thus giving the district an increase of 46,208 persons
at the end of ten years. The average number of persons per
house in 1861 and 1871, respectively, was 71 and 7 2, while the
average number of persons per house for the whole Metropolis
was exactly the same in both census periods, viz., 7.8.
Thus, it would appear that one of the surest methods of estimating
the population of a large Metropolitan District like
Lambeth at any inter-census period, is to find the number of
rated houses, and to apportion the same number of persons to
each house as shown in the previous census.
On the assumption that the annual rate of increase has been
the same as in the previous decade, I have estimated the population
of Lambeth to the 30th September, 1877, at 251,517, or
if 7 persons for each of the 35,965 rated houses bo allowed, it
will give a population of 251,755, being 238 more than the number
arrived at by the usual method of calculation.
While, therefore, 251,517 must closely approximate a correct
estimate, I believe that it under-rates the population rather than
exceeds it; in which case, the health of the Parish, as shown
by the accompanying Report, would also be slightly under
estimated.
Many houses have disappeared to make room for improvements,
but building is being earned on very actively in different
parts of the Parish, and the number of fresh immigrants every
year is very considerable.
Reference to the following Table, compiled from the Census