The Canadian population of Downy Woodpecker is monitored fairly well by both the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) and the Christmas Bird Count (CBC), although both programs are limited by sampling less than half of the species' Canadian range. Overall, the BBS likely provides a more reliable signal of population trend, as its design is more standardized. The BBS trend for Canada shows some fluctuations over time, with peaks around 1988 and 2010, and an overall increase of 23% relative to the early 1970s. The most notable regional differences are in the Prairies and the Maritimes, where population increases have been ongoing since the early 1970s, and in central and southern interior British Columbia, where the long-term trends have shown moderate decreases. In contrast, the CBC trend for Canada shows a steady increase ever since 1970 with the population growing by more than 150% over that period. However, this may in part reflect increasing counts at bird feeders over time, therefore overall confidence in the trend based on the BBS is medium.

The goal for Downy Woodpecker 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.