The best source of information on the population status of American Goldfinch is the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS). Overall reliability of the BBS is considered high, and better than all other available data sources, given the high coverage of the range, high precision and high suitability of the design. BBS data indicate a sharp decline during the 1970s, a rebound by the mid-1980s, and then a more gradual and somewhat fluctuating decline ever since, resulting in a 32% decrease relative to the early 1970s. Among regions that have reasonably reliable trends, declines have occurred in central and southern parts of Ontario and Quebec, Pacific and south-central British Columbia, and northern Alberta. Little change has occurred in central and southeastern British Columbia and the Rockies, the Prairies, the southern Boreal forest and the Maritimes.

The goal for American Goldfinch 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 American Goldfinch is currently below its goal range and continuing to decline. Despite this, analysis of recent trends and potential growth rates suggests that American Goldfinch could reach its population goal by 2050, but only if timely conservation action is taken.