Negotiating pay when I have been out of work (update)

A recruiter asked for my salary expectations on a first call as I look for work as a hotel front-desk agent. I do not usually post, so bear with me. I also do not want to sell myself short. Does giving a range hurt?

Check several sources for pay in Little Rock, 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.