The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) and Christmas Bird Count (CBC) both provide information on the population status of Ruby-crowned Kinglet. The BBS is more standardized, but its reliability is compromised by limited coverage of the northern parts of the breeding range. Because the species winters entirely in North America and over 90% of the population breeds in Canada, the CBC provides higher coverage, and is overall considered to be a more reliable indicator of the Canadian population. The CBC data indicate modest fluctuations over time, but within the zone of little change. Abundance is currently at a relatively low level, 7% below what it was in 1970. The national BBS trend also shows periodic fluctuations, but differs in that there is an overall moderate increase of 55% over the same period. Because the CBC is considered more representative, the assigned trend is little change, but confidence is only medium due to the difference between the CBC and BBS.

The goal for Ruby-crowned Kinglet is to remain at or above its average population level from 1970 to 2022, based on the Christmas Bird Count. Recent data show that the population is within its goal range.