The best source of information on the population status of Field Sparrow is the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS). It is highly suitable for this species, samples most of the breeding range, and the population trends have high precision. BBS data indicate a steady and substantial decline from the 1970s to around 2000, but since then the population has largely stabilized at a lower level with minor fluctuations. Declines were somewhat steeper in the northern part of the Canadian breeding range (central Ontario and Quebec) than in the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence Lowlands.

The goal for Field Sparrow is to increase the population to the level it was at in the early 1970s, based on the Breeding Bird Survey. Trend data show that Field Sparrow is currently below its goal range, but has shown an increase over the past decade. Analysis considering the historical population loss and recent trend suggests that it is unlikely that the goal can be met by 2050, so the interim target is to reach 95% of the goal by 2050. Achieving this target, and ultimately reaching the national goal for this species, will require deliberate conservation action.