On April 3, 1969, it was created as a separate municipality by virtue of Republic Act 5459, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos.

Magsaysay is characterized by rugged terrain with plain areas located at Barangays Calawag, Gapasan, Laste, Nicolas, Purnaga, and Paclolo.

Slope of 3-8 percent are observed in the surroundings of Barangays Alibog, Lourdes, Sibalat, Poblacion and Santa Teresa.

The highest point of elevation at 543 feet above sea level located at the north-east portion of Barangay Purnaga, which has slopes of 18 percent and above.

The municipality has abundant water resource for domestic consumption and irrigation supply.

Due to government programs from the 1960s to 1970s, most Ratagnons have shifted to the Tagalog language, endangering their own culture.

Karay-a and Hiligaynon are also varyingly spoken in Magsaysay due to its geographical contact with Panay.