The Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) provides the best data on the Canadian population of Song Sparrow, as it samples most of the breeding range, is well-suited to detecting the species, and has high precision. The national trend shows a steep decline of approximately 30% from the early 1970s to early 1980s, followed by minor fluctuations and only a modest further decline, resulting in a cumulative loss of 40% of the population by 2022. There is some regional variation in trends, with the population showing little long-term change in southwest interior British Columbia, the Prairies, Great Lakes - St. Lawrence Lowlands, and the Maritimes, but moderate decreases farther north and along the Pacific coast.

The goal for Song 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 Song Sparrow is currently below its goal range, but it has been largely stable over the past decade. Analysis of recent trends and potential growth rates suggests that Song Sparrow could reach its population goal by 2050 with the support of conservation action.