Is Owings Mills, MD Safe? A Local's Perspective

If you’re thinking about moving to the Baltimore suburbs, real estate in Owings Mills is likely on your radar. It’s got the Metro, the shopping, and the big homes. But if you’ve spent any time Googling the area, you’ve probably seen some mixed reviews about safety.

Here is the honest truth from a local perspective: Owings Mills is generally a safe place to live, but it is not a sleepy rural town. It is a bustling, density-packed suburban hub. Because of that, the answer to "is it safe?" often depends heavily on exactly where you are standing and what time of day it is.

When you look at the raw numbers, they can be misleading. A huge chunk of the reported incidents happens in the commercial districts—specifically retail theft and fender benders—rather than in the residential cul-de-sacs. For most residents, day-to-day life here feels secure, especially if you choose your neighborhood wisely.

Understanding Owings Mills Crime Rates & Statistics

To really understand safety here, you have to separate the scary headlines from the actual risks. When you look at the data, you’ll see two very different stories playing out: one about violent crime and one about property crime.

Violent crime in Owings Mills generally hovers around or slightly below national averages. It is significantly lower than what you see in Baltimore City. The types of aggressive crimes that make people afraid to walk their dogs are not the norm here.

However, property crime is where the numbers spike. We are talking about theft from vehicles, shoplifting, and minor larceny. The rate for property crime sits around 23–26 incidents per 1,000 residents. While that looks high on paper, it helps to understand why.

The "Commercial Skew"

Owings Mills is a retail magnet for the entire northwest side of Baltimore County. We have a massive Costco, the Mill Station development, and endless strip malls along Reisterstown Road.

• These areas attract thousands of shoppers daily who don't live here.
• Crime rates are calculated based on the resident population, not the daytime population.
• So, if a hundred people get caught shoplifting at Walmart or having their fenders crunched in the parking lot, it inflates the "crime rate" for the residents, even though those crimes didn't happen in anyone's driveway.

Statistically, your chance of being a victim of a crime here is roughly 1 in 34, but the vast majority of that risk is property-related, not physical danger.

Safest Neighborhoods in Owings Mills

Safety isn't uniform across the zip code. The experience of living in a garden apartment next to the Metro station is totally different from owning a single-family home two miles west. If you are looking for stability and quiet streets, you need to know where to look.

Owings Mills New Town

This is usually the first stop for homebuyers. New Town is a massive planned community designed with walkability and amenities in mind. It has a strong homeowners association and a layout that naturally discourages cut-through traffic. While no place is immune to car break-ins, the residential streets here are generally calm. You’ll see people jogging and kids riding bikes to the various pools and parks throughout the neighborhood.

Garrison & The Valleys

If you head toward the Garrison area or the "Valleys" (like Velvet Valley or near Caves Valley), the vibe changes completely. These are older, often more expensive sections with larger lots and significantly less foot traffic. Because these areas are set back from the main commercial drag of Reisterstown Road, incidental crime is much lower.

High-Density Zones

Conversely, the areas immediately surrounding the Town Center and the Mall loop tend to have higher activity levels. There is a higher concentration of rental units and huge foot traffic from the transit hub. It’s convenient for commuting, but you are trading that convenience for the hustle and bustle of a semi-urban environment.

Safety at Mill Station and the Metro Centre

The elephant in the room for a long time was the old Owings Mills Mall. It developed a bad reputation over the years, which dragged down the perception of the whole town. The good news? That mall is gone.

In its place is Mill Station, an open-air retail hub anchored by Costco and Lowe's. The environment is completely different now. During the day, it is incredibly busy and generally feels safe. However, like any large outdoor shopping center, situational awareness is key. The parking lots are massive, so it’s smart to park near lights and not leave shopping bags visible in your back seat.

The Metro SubwayLink station is another focal point. For commuters heading into downtown Baltimore, it is a huge asset. The station itself has a police presence and is generally safe during commute hours. The Metro Centre garage is used by both residents of the nearby apartments and commuters. While secure, it does see occasional car break-ins, so the rule of "lock it or lose it" applies heavily here.

Owings Mills vs. Baltimore and Nearby Suburbs

Context is everything. If you are moving from a rural farmhouse in Carroll County, Owings Mills might feel chaotic. If you are moving from downtown Baltimore, it will likely feel like a sanctuary.

Compared to Baltimore City, Owings Mills is statistically much safer. The violent crime rate in the city is drastically higher. In the city, the chance of being a victim is roughly 1 in 17; in Owings Mills, it's about 1 in 38, and again, that is heavily weighted toward non-violent theft.

If you compare Owings Mills to neighboring suburbs like Towson or White Marsh, the profiles are very similar. All three are major commercial hubs for the county. They all have busy retail corridors surrounded by quiet residential pockets. Owings Mills sits firmly in the "middle ground" of Maryland safety rankings—it offers an urban-suburban mix that provides convenience, which inevitably comes with higher property crime stats than a rural zip code would have.

Practical Safety Tips for Residents

Since the primary issue here is opportunity-based property crime, a few simple habits can virtually eliminate your risk.

• Lock Your Car: This sounds obvious, but motor vehicle theft and break-ins are the biggest statistical driver here. Many of these incidents involve unlocked cars or key fobs left inside the vehicle. If you lock your doors, you are already safer than half the cars on the block.
• Manage Deliveries: Porch piracy can happen in tighter townhome communities. If you are living in Owings Mills New Town or similar areas, use Amazon Hub lockers or have packages delivered to a secure spot if you work away from home.
• Watch the Road: Honestly, the biggest danger to your physical safety in Owings Mills is probably the traffic on Reisterstown Road. It is the main artery for the area and can get aggressive. Stay alert when driving or crossing near the major intersections.

Frequently Asked Questions About Owings Mills Safety

Is Owings Mills New Town safe?

New Town is easily one of the top spots in this zip code. It’s a classic planned community—think tons of sidewalks, pools, and parks. It’s safe, quiet, and basically the go-to for anyone looking for that solid, reliable suburban feel.

How bad is the crime in Owings Mills compared to Baltimore?

The difference is significant. Owings Mills has a much lower rate of violent crime compared to Baltimore City. While property crime (like theft) does exist in Owings Mills, the level of personal risk is drastically lower than in many city neighborhoods.

Is the Owings Mills Metro station safe for commuters?

Generally, yes. The station is heavily used by professionals commuting to the city and has security measures in place. As with any public transit hub, it is best to stay in well-lit areas and remain aware of your surroundings, especially if you are traveling alone late at night.

What is the most common crime in Owings Mills?

Theft is by far the most common issue. This includes shoplifting from the large retail centers and theft from vehicles. Violent crime constitutes a very small percentage of the total incidents reported in the area.