The best source of information on the population status of Cedar Waxwing is the Breeding Bird Survey. It is highly suitable for this species, samples most of the breeding range, and the population trends have high precision. The national trend shows a substantial increase from the mid-1970s to mid-1990s, but a gradual decline since then, to a level 14% below the early 1970s. Annual indices fluctuate considerably, likely due to spatial and temporal variation in nesting in relation to weather conditions and food availability. There is also some regional variation in trends, with long-term declines in southern interior British Columbia as well as central Ontario and Quebec, but increases in the southern Rockies, Prairies, and Maritimes.

The goal for Cedar Waxwing is to remain at or above its average population level from 1970 to 2022, based on the Breeding Bird Survey. Recent data show that the population is within its goal range.