The population growth analysis would require further breakdown. The eastern half of Queens doesn't have a subway network. And what about Staten Island?
I couldn't find any sub-regional breakdowns for this year’s census data yet. I assume they’ll appear at the second link eventually.
Speculating but based on living here: much of the population growth has been in Brooklyn and "inner" Queens. The Bronx and Manhattan have also had growth but at slower rates. Outer Queens lacks subway but the LIRR (commuter rail) has multiple lines hitting those neighborhoods. Not at all the same as rapid transit but they're not totally lacking transit options, and typically connect into key subway junctions.
SI lacks rapid transit to the core business centers in Manhattan and Brooklyn. You can take express buses, drive, or the SI Ferry to lower Manhattan but then you still (typically) have an additional commute.
Several of the NJ cities immediately west of Manhattan have also had decent growth but aren't counted in the NYC stats.
