The best source of information on the population status of Pine Siskin is the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS). Although the northernmost portion of its range is poorly covered, overall reliability of the BBS is considered moderate, and better than all other available data sources. The continental Christmas Bird Count (CBC) also provides information on Pine Siskin, but is a less standardized survey, and mixes Canadian and American-breeding birds. BBS data indicate a large long-term decrease in abundance of 55% relative to the early 1970s, mostly between 1995 and 2015. Declines have occurred in all Canadian Bird Conservation Regions that host the species and for which there are reasonably reliable results, except in southern Ontario and Quebec, where little change has occurred. In contrast, the continental CBC shows some fluctuations over time, but overall little change relative to 1970. This conflicting evidence reduces confidence in the status to low.

The goal for Pine Siskin 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 Pine Siskin is currently below its goal range and continuing to decline. Analysis considering the historical population loss and recent trend suggests that it is unlikely that the goal can be met by 2050, so the interim target is to reach 90% of the goal by 2050. Achieving this target, and ultimately reaching the national goal for this species, will require deliberate conservation action.