The best source of information on the population status of Red-breasted Nuthatch is the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS). Although the northernmost portion of its range is poorly covered, overall reliability of the BBS is considered medium, and better than all other available data sources. Additional data are available from the Christmas Bird Count (CBC), but it has lower precision and reliability. BBS data indicate a large long-term increase in abundance from the 1970s to early 1990s, and fluctuations around that level ever since. Moderate or large increases have occurred in all Canadian Bird Conservation Regions that host the species and for which there are reasonably reliable results, except along the Pacific Coast where there has been little change. Both the Canadian and continental CBC results also indicate large increases relative to 1970, boosting confidence in the assessment to high.

The goal for Red-breasted Nuthatch is to remain at or above its recent population level, based on the Breeding Bird Survey. Trend data show that Red-breasted Nuthatch is currently within its goal range.