Negotiating pay when I have been out of work - first time posting

I have been out of work for 18 weeks and feel pressure to accept less. I am in Knoxville, in case local advice matters. I do not want to price myself out. Does giving a range hurt?

Check several sources for pay in Knoxville, then pick a range where the low end is one you can live with.

I gave a range based on local postings and said I was flexible depending on the whole package. They did not push back.