Both the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) and Christmas Bird Count (CBC) provide insights into population trends for the Canadian population of Swamp Sparrow. The design of the BBS is better suited to estimating trends because of its more systematic approach, but coverage of the northern part of the breeding range is limited. Conversely, the CBC covers a larger proportion of the winter range, and continental results should largely reflect the Canadian population which accounts for 87% of the total, but its design is less rigorous. Overall, the BBS is likely more reliable, especially with respect to interpreting regional trends. However, because the national BBS trend shows a moderate increase relative to 1970 and the continental CBC trend indicates a moderate decrease over the same period, confidence in the increase is low. At a regional scale, the BBS data show little change in the Maritimes, a moderate increase in central Ontario and Quebec, and large increases in the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence Lowlands and Prairie provinces.

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