Natural Disaster Risk in Mistletoe

Natural Hazard Profile: Mistletoe, Kentucky

Mistletoe is a small unincorporated community in Owsley County, in the interior eastern United States. The area experiences hot, humid summers and cold winters with ice storm risk, with recurring winter ice storm events shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Mistletoe.

According to FEMA's National Risk Index, Mistletoe carries an overall risk score of 4.1/10, placing it in the moderate category. Slope instability and debris flows are the primary natural hazard, driven by a combination of local geology, precipitation intensity, and terrain that creates susceptibility to failure. The area also faces notable exposure to wildfire and tsunami.

Mistletoe's risk score, slightly below the 5.5/10 state average and near the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Owsley County, the highest-scoring are landslide, wildfire, and tsunami. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Mistletoe residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for landslide is recommended.