Please see http://mondaybynoon.com/better-search-results-counts-wordpress/

gistfile1.php

<?php if ( is_home() ) : ?>
    <h2><?php echo the_title(); ?></h2>
<?php elseif ( is_search() ): ?>
	<h1><?php echo $wp_query->found_posts; ?> <?php _e('Search results'); ?></h1>
<?php endif; ?>