The best source of information on the population status of Red-necked Grebe is the continental Christmas Bird Count (CBC), which largely reflects the Canadian breeding population, although many individuals winter at sea and only those visible from shore tend to be counted. Continental CBC data indicate a moderate long-term increase in abundance since the early 1970s. However, CBC trends for Canada show a moderate decline, as do regional trends for the main wintering areas in Canada (British Columbia and Nova Scotia), suggesting a shift in winter distribution. The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS), which primarily covers birds breeding in the Prairies, shows a larger increase, especially during the 1980s and 1990s. The British Columbia Coastal Waterbird Survey(BCCWS), which surveys the Pacific Coast population in winter, shows a large decrease in numbers. The conflicting trends from different surveys limit overall confidence in the population trend to medium.

The goal for Red-necked Grebe is to remain at or above its recent population level, based on the continental Christmas Bird Count results. Trend data show that Red-necked Grebe is currently within its goal range.