Portland-area home prices continued to climb faster than most of the country in June -- but far slower than a year ago.

Portland saw home prices jump by just under 1 percent in June, according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller home price index, landing at a level 8.2 percent higher than a year earlier.

Portland home prices continue to climb faster than every other major metro area included in the 20-city index except Seattle, which saw prices jump 13.4 percent in the past year.

Prices here also rose far faster than the national average, which saw a year-over-year increase of 5.8 percent. Dallas, which had the next fastest-growing prices among major cities, saw a year-over-year increase of 7.7 percent.

In June, Portland's home prices were growing at their fastest rate since 2013, and faster than any other major city.

From there, price gains began to slow. Portland ended its streak at the top in September, when Seattle rose past it. Rising prices there have continued to accelerate.

Home values here and across the country have been buoyed by a small inventory of homes for sale. Strong employment and job growth have kept demand high for those homes that are on the market.

The rising prices are taking a toll on affordability, however, as they have grown far faster than wages. Low mortgage rates have helped keep homeownership within reach for many who might otherwise be priced out, but rates are expected to rebound from their historically low levels.

Builders, facing high costs for material, labor and land, have been slow to ramp up construction that could help alleviate the housing shortage.

The median price for a Portland-area home sold in June was $390,000, according to the Regional Multiple Listing Service. It rose to $395,000 in July.

-- Elliot Njus

enjus@oregonian.com

503-294-5034

@enjus