One of the major drivers of economic growth is the size of the "knowledge economy" - that is - industries that regularly contribute to innovation, technological development, and the commercialization of new ideas. These industries largely consist of highly skilled workers with advanced degrees in science and mathematics - many of whom are highly sought after all over the United States.
If a business operating in a "knowledge economy" industry wants to locate in Charleston, it will need some degree of confidence that it will be able to attract these highly skilled workers to live and work there. Charleston's recent ranking provides evidence that confidence in this coastal city would not be misplaced.
