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The United States Census Bureau has released its findings from the 2010 census, showing the top 5 fastest growing states. The results show an overall gain of 9.7% in U.S. population between 2000 and 2010. The U.S. now has a population of 308,745,538. Between 1990 and 2000 the U.S. had a 13.2% population gain.

The Census Bureau’s findings are on a state-by-state basis. There are also regional results published for four defined U.S. regions: Northeast, Midwest, South, and West. The South and West continue to post the largest gains in population, with gains of 14.3% and 13.8%, respectively. Michigan was the only state to lose population in the 2010 census, dropping -0.6% in population.

The census has political implication as the results shift congressional seats. State population distributes the 435 U.S. congressional districts. For example, Republican-leaning Texas, which had a population gain of 4.3 million residents between 2000 and 2010, will add four congressional seats. Florida, which is also Republican leaning, will gain two seats. The states losing congressional seats are largely in the Midwest and Northeast. New York and Ohio will each lose two seats.

Based on the census findings, the average population of a U.S. congressional district will be 710,767 residents. However, each state must have at least one district. Thus states such as Alaska, North Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming, which each have population fewer than 710,767 residents still get a seat. For elections, the census results will take effect during the 2012 elections, including affecting each state’s Electoral College votes in the 2012 presidential election.

The top 5 fastest growing states in the 2010 census were:

1. Nevada, 35.1% gain, population of 2,700,551
2. Arizona, 24.1% gain, population of 6,392,017
3. Utah, 23.6% gain, population of 2,763,885
4. Idaho, 21.1% gain, population of 1,567,582
5. Texas, 20.6% gain, population of 25,145,561

Most people this time of year are more preoccupied with holiday shopping or travel plans, but December can be a great month to buy a new home. The depleted number of home shoppers, frigid temperatures, and year end considerations can incentivize sellers to cut prices on their homes, especially those that have been on the market for several months, if not longer.

From a buyer’s perspective, December offers several benefits. Your real estate agent and lender may have more time to devote to you, as this tends to be a slow time of year in the industry. Interest rates, which are at their lowest levels in years, also are historically lower in December than in the spring. Also, if you move in during the winter months, you can get unpacked and get your home ready to be enjoyed when the weather warms up, when you really want to be out enjoying the weather.

If all the cold weather is making you think of buying a home in a warmer climate, home prices have fallen dramatically in warm weather states such as Florida, Arizona, and Nevada. Home prices in many of the larger areas in these states have dropped more than 50% since 2007. Foreclosure rates are at high levels. This has contributed to many desirable areas such as Orlando, Tampa, Phoenix, Tucson, and Las Vegas to now having median home prices below $150,000.

For discount seekers, the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area had a preliminary 2010 3rd quarter median home price of $93,100 for existing homes according to the National Association of Realtors.

So get your holiday shopping and decorating done early this season. December can bring great deals on home purchases.